Social Clubs Launched at Santa Clarita Valley High Schools Aimed at Combating Drug Abuse
Santa Clarita Valley high schools are adopting new “drug free” social clubs that offer fun activities, such as field trips, dances, and counseling. To join, student members should commit not to use illegal substances and agree to random drug tests.
In Valencia High School, more than thirty students have already signed up for the club and concur to provide urine samples on demand. Charlie La Vine, 17, co-president of the club at Valencia High, part of an initiative called Drug Free Youth in Town (DFYIT), describes the initiative as a great solution for those who want to stay out of drugs and lead a better life. He said, “They’ll stay away from drugs and alcohol because of the drug test.”
In a kickoff rally late August, Valencia High School students pledged drug-free lifestyles. School dance crew members took the stage wearing T-shirts with the DFYIT logo while cheerleaders posted drug-free pledge stickers on a wall banner.
“We want there to be a culture shift,” said Kathy Hunter, director of student services at the Santa Clarita Valley’s William S. Hart Union High School District, whose schools teach grades seven through 12.
The new program will exist alongside Hart School District’s 5-year-old Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Reduction and Education program (CADRE), through parents can sign up their children for random drug testing.
Santa Clarita officials said the DFYIT program has had a successful record in Florida and Texas.
Hunter added that they intend to measure the success of the program yearly by documenting the number of club members who test clean.
Santa Clarita’s mayor Frank Ferry assures the school district that they have his full support, saying “It’s important that we celebrate all the kids who didn’t make bad choices.”
Tags: drug-free school clubs, Hart School District drug testing policy, Santa Clarita Valley high schools drug policy, Valencia High School random drug testing
