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PORT CHESTER, N.Y. - No illicit drugs were discovered as police accompianed by drug-sniffing dogs conducted a surprise drug sweep of Port Chester High School Wednesday.
This is the second year the school has conducted the sweep, and is part of the school's zero tolerance drug policy. The canine unit was used to inspect lockers and other locations where administrators believe drugs might be hidden.
Principal Mitchell Combs was pleased the search produced no drugs, and the results indicated the school's attempts to prevent drug use with letters home and school programs were working.
"We want to make sure students realize this is a zero-tolerance environment and that drugs cannot be brought onto this campus," Combs said. "The fact that the canine unit did not find anything today gives me hope that people are listening and that students are making choices not to bring illicit drugs onto campus."
Earlier in the year Combs sent a letter to parents urging them to speak with their children about the district policies regarding drugs and alcohol.
Our goal is to discourage inappropriate and illegal behavior as well as to prevent bad decision- making, said Combs. If that means students who commit illegal acts that endanger our student body end up facing serious consequences, then so be it.
Although the school has authority to exercise disciplinary action, the truly serious consequence of expulsion is ultimately decided by schools Superintendent Edward Kliszus. Although Kliszus agreed with Combs, he also expressed the desire to provide aid in addition to punishment.
We understand that students with substance abuse problems are in need of help, and our counselors stand ready to work with them," Kliszus said. "However, the Board of Education and I support Dr. Combs assertion that drugs and alcohol have no place in our schools and we stand by this proactive canine search. We hope the public will be supportive of our commitment to a safe and drug free environment at all of our schools.
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