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Trustees consider ideas for drinking,graduation issues

By Bill Vander Weele

Sidney Herald
Published on Friday, March 5, 2010 4:03 PM MST

Sidney School Board trustees read a draft Tuesday prepared by Superintendent of Schools Daniel Farr dealing with the issue of whether a student who breaks the alcohol/drug policy should be allowed to take part in graduation ceremonies.

Information in the draft contains that according to law, the graduation ceremony is a privilege, and trustees may deny a high school student the honor of participating in commencement.

The draft reads that because all students can’t serve a penalty in an approved form of activity suspension prior to graduation, school officials are considering a different punishment to be substituted.

“We’re serious about students’ chemical use,” Farr said.

In order to take part in the graduation ceremony, the student would need to complete a 10-hour program of self study, complete chemical assessment provided by the school, and the student and parent will have an exit interview.

The draft reads, “The above activities may only be substituted in the event that a student has no other means by which to serve the attendant suspension and apply to a student’s participation in the graduation ceremony only.”

Trustee Todd Hermanson stressed that a student will have the choice of doing the activities or not taking part in the graduation ceremony. The decision will be up to the student and the family.

The offense must take place prior to the student’s final day in school. If a student, however, is suspected of being intoxicated in the graduation line, a breathalyzer test will be conducted, and if the student was to have a positive reading, they would be denied participation in the ceremony.

Farr reminds the public this is only a draft, and school officials are open to suggestions. Parents are encouraged to stop in and speak with the superintendent or building principals about the draft policy.

In other business during Tuesday’s meeting:

• Athletic director Mike Gear spoke about the coaching evaluation form. In a mid-season evaluation, basketball players ranked coaching on a scale of 1-5 with 1 being the best on the various questions. Gear said all six basketball coaches had an overall score between 1.5 and 2.0.

“With all the kids in the program, there were no particular red flags,” Gear said.

A random group of parents also received the survey. In the future, however, all parents will have the opportunity to complete the evaluation.

Farr explained the whole process this year is refining. School officials are working to get the survey online so the community, especially parents, can take part. Although work still needs to be completed, the online survey will be up by the end of this school year.

“We will get this mission accomplished,” Farr said.

The goal of the evaluation tool is to improve communication between students, as well as the community, with school officials.

“This is not a witch hunt,” trustee Kelly Dey said. “It’s a way to get input from the community.”

Hermanson asked Gear if he feels the duties of activities director should be a full-time job.

Gear answered if the job is full time, the director could be more proactive rather than reactive.

Hermanson feels that if funds are available for a full-time activities director it would benefit students.

Gear noted the amount needed to fund activities keeps increasing. The ASB account used to have $50,000 in the spring and lately only has $27,000. Part of the problem is higher motel rates. Because of a lower amount of participants in middle school football, those students may need to travel for games some time in the future. If that happens, the middle school volleyball program will also travel for matches because of Title IX requirements.

editor@sidneyherald.com

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Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of the Sidney Herald.

Fairview Graduate wrote on Mar 19, 2010 7:43 PM:

" In my opinion, I think it's perfectly fine to prevent students from school activities such as sports, clubs, etc when caught with illegal substances, but it is NOT okay to not allow a student to participate in the Graduation ceremony- If they reached the requirements, they should walk the floor. It's a ceremony that only happens once in their life. And face it, it's not really going to stop kids from drinking. Honestly, there wasn't much to do in Sidney/Fairview as a teen-yes, there are school activities, but those all end early in the night, before the parties start. There are a number of kids that don't party, but there is also a number of kids who can't afford and/or greatly dislike sports (myself included) or other activities which really leaves them with nothing to do. What if they can't rent video games or movies or do things like that? Even if our area needs a place for kids to go at night to have fun and be safe there would be plenty of parties- Kids just like to do it because it's a thrill and they think its fun. "

Mel wrote on Mar 15, 2010 12:28 PM:

" Under age drinking is a problem everywhere not just Sidney.
Our drinking policy was simply: if you got caught and proven to be drinking (not assumed) and participated in extra-curricular activities you were suspended from that activity for a pre-determined amount of time. This included after school hours but first and foremost you were held accountable by law. Law enforcement and judges were very agressive with their punishments on this matter.
While I see that our law enforcement is very proactive about handling the drinking here, I don't see our judges taking a stronger stance on it. This must be frustrating. In most instances a MIP first offense would result in probation with the option of deferrement after some very strict conditions were met: Had to attend school without absences or with a written doctor's excuse on file, community service, and strict curfew enforcement.
If it was during school activities then the school reported it to the law and you dealt with both consequences.
Growing up my biggest fear was my mom finding out I got caught drinking. I realize not all parents take underage drinking as seriously but I have to believe most of us do and will do the right thing by our kids.
If our judges would enforce stricter consequences, our law enforcement officers could feel more supported in their efforts, and schools would not need to feel the need to police it themselves so hard. And parents would hopefully be more proactive about discouraging it. "

Johnny Walker wrote on Mar 13, 2010 1:35 PM:

" Most alcoholism is caused by inherited family genes not because someone gave your teenage kid alcohol.I'm not condoning contributing to minors but I seriously doubt your kid is an alcoholic because a friends parent gave them alcohol when they were under age. "

Native wrote on Mar 13, 2010 1:17 PM:

" "Ditto that's sounds typical,blame someone else for your kid who is in there 20's for there alcoholism.After reading the comments here I'm convinced there are a lot of people here who like to act like they are morally superior to others,when in fact your not.This is just another example of a parent not taking responsibility for there kids actions but try to point the finger at someone else.If your kid is a boozer that bad point your finger at them because they are to blame not some parent from when they were under age.You sound like the kind of parent that has been making excuses for your kid there whole life.Maybe that's why they are an alcoholic,because you never taught them to be responsible for themselves and there actions.Just because someone drinks doesn't make them an alcoholic.For those of you who don't drink,you can get off your high horse I'm sure you have you own skeletons in the closet. "

... wrote on Mar 13, 2010 12:56 PM:

" I believe the reason they go after this law and not others is because it is something they know society in genereal will get behind. Listen to radio and TV ads. They are all "stop smoking", "Don't drink and drive". Why never "Don't steal", or "Don't speed"? Everyone thinks, or at least would like to think, that they have had a bad experience with these becasue society (media) tells them they should feel this way. I lost classmates in high school as a direct result of alcohol. Yes it could have been prevented but we don't need more rules for people to break. I did it too. I still do. I am fully aware of the consequences but I guess you could say that I don't panic every day about being safe the way others do. Life goes on, with or without you. "

Ditto wrote on Mar 13, 2010 11:43 AM:

" I agree with Know the Truth. My child was also given booze by a friens's parents and is now well on the way to being an alcoholic in his 20's. We have too many alcoholic adults who provide to underage kids to make themselves feel good about their own alcoholism. Dragging others down with them just because they didn't outgrow boozing. "

Randy wrote on Mar 12, 2010 10:42 PM:

" Know The Truth - Sure there is a drinking problem. Always has been and unfortunately, always will be. However, I fail to see where it is the responsibility of the School system to hand down judgement on those who violate the law outside of school hours or activities. As "Really" stated - If they are going to take action for MIP, why are they not doing so for every other law that a student is accused of breaking? "

Just Remembering wrote on Mar 12, 2010 9:20 PM:

" Back in the 50's when I was in school there was much less to do than there is now. I was popular, even a cheerleader, and never drank once, nor did any of my friends (boys or girls. We had more fun & a lot of parties, but no liquor.I am sure there were kids that drank,but they never had as much fun as we did. Our athletes knew Coach Kangas meant business & God help them if they were caught drinking. You don't have to drink or do drugs to enjoy your young years-life is what you make it-young or old. "

know the truth wrote on Mar 12, 2010 3:43 PM:

" If there is one person in Sidney that thinks we do not a problem with students drinking, you are crazy. My son when he was older told me some of the stories of him in high school and drinking, and one of the problems was one of his friend's dad was more than willing to keep the liquor flowing at his house every day after school, so...until that problem is fixed and we hold the adults accountable for supplying the liquor, where will we be? "

former teenager wrote on Mar 12, 2010 9:56 AM:

" What Ever, I was actually invited to several parties but made the decision not to because of the consequences I would face. I'm sure there were people who didn't want to hang out with me because I was a "goody two-shoes." But my friends and I didn't want to hang out with them, either...so, I really didn't feel I was missing out...

I have to say I do agree that the age for drinking, smoking, and legal "adulthood" should be the same. But they aren't, and until it changes students should face consequences for breaking the law. "

What Ever wrote on Mar 12, 2010 8:26 AM:

" "former teenager" you never partied in high school because nobody wanted to hang out with you and you weren't invited to any of the parties.It's obvious by your comment you think you were one of those "I never do nothing wrong" teens when really you may have been one of those hiding in your parents garage huffing gas fumes.You can can the goody two shoes bit.Judging by your comment I've been around longer then you to buy that load of bull. "

Randy wrote on Mar 11, 2010 11:24 PM:

" "Really" and "Native" have hit it on the head.

"Get Real" - This is NOT about withholding the Diploma...It is about allowing the students to participate in the Graduation ceremony. "

Get Real wrote on Mar 11, 2010 4:12 PM:

" The drinking age should be 18 no if ands or buts about it.The law considers you an adult at 18,you can go to prison at 18,your parents aren't held responsible for you when you are 18 and if need be you can be drafted,shot and killed at 18.And by the way Sidney school board can't hold your diploma from you if you have the scores to graduate.I know years ago Sidney High School tried holding diplomas for detention time still owed and about got into a mess of trouble doing it.Your a High School and do not have that kind of authority. "

former teenager wrote on Mar 11, 2010 10:51 AM:

" Waaah. Nothing to do in Sidney? Whatever. Only boring people get bored, has always been my motto. I grew up in a town MUCH smaller than Sidney. And I never partied in high school. Never. I say that people who think all there is to do is drink get some real hobbies and would have a much more fulfilling life.

I don't feel at all sorry for a minor who actually has to have (gasp) consequences for their actions.

And the "but things were different then" thing doesn't hold true with me--I haven't been out of high school that long. "

Native wrote on Mar 11, 2010 9:22 AM:

" School boards should impose rules for hours of school operation and during school sponsored activities.It's not a school boards responsibility to raise your kids it's your responsibility.School boards can keep there nose in the class room were it belongs and parents will set rules at home.This reminds me of the zero tolerance policy that took the nation by storm and it makes me wonder who the bone head was that came up with that.It is not my job to set an example our be a roll model for your kid,that's your job. "

community member wrote on Mar 11, 2010 8:43 AM:

" I agree that we need to do something about Montana's drinking problem. I think that there should be rules set by the school board. More importantly, I think the teens have been let down by us adults. Perhaps we should step and show them a good example with our own lives. "

Native wrote on Mar 11, 2010 8:11 AM:

" Well I know after I went through twelve years of Sidney's school system I was getting drunk....period.And I had a lot of company. "

11 Bravo wrote on Mar 11, 2010 7:23 AM:

" You know not long ago a young man could get drafted right out of high school sent to Vietnam to be shot at but you all want to think there is need for panic over some young adults nearing graduation to drink.How many of you acting like you are just outraged over them drinking when you did it yourselves.High school students have been drinking for decades so don't act like this is the generation that needs saving.Making more rules in this case only results in another set of rules broken.I hope saying it like it is doesn't damage your fragile ,sheltered minds.Little Jonny is not a baby anymore if he's about to graduate. "

Memory Lane wrote on Mar 11, 2010 6:51 AM:

" Let me also remind you "please" just because there are those teens who are involved in all the activities you have mentioned doesn't mean there not attending the same parties and drinking along with the ones who don't take part in activities.I took part in several activities,sports and even went to church every Sunday and summer bible school growing up but yes even I still found time to drink and party.I guess your one of those people who have a hard time with real life and how things truly are so maybe you need to do the growing up.I doubt the world is going to change just for you. "

Memory Lane wrote on Mar 11, 2010 6:34 AM:

" Well "please" I don't really look into what teens are doing today I don't really spend that much time thinking about it.I'm to old and don't need teenage friends anymore.But like I said I was born,raised and lived my whole growing up years in Sidney and most of my family stills lives in the area today so don't start trying to tell me what Sidney has to offer,I may know better then you.Sidney is in fact a boring little town just like most other little towns that size across the country.Just because you live there doesn't make it any less true(I've been there, done that)There is no reason for anybody to make excuses why teens party and drink because it's just a fact of life....they do!And at the end of the day "please"the only teen you really need to be concerned about making excuses to drink is your own teen not the whole town.Sounds like some of you need to have a big bowl of reality for breakfast this morning. "

Problems wrote on Mar 11, 2010 4:55 AM:

" I grew up in a big city and we still complained about having nothing to do. Sidney offers almost the same activities as big cities do (sports, bowling, movies, dances, youth groups, video games, etc...). Teens get bored with doing the same things no matter where they live and how many options they have. So the excuse of it's ok for teens to drink cause there's nothing else to do doesn't cut it.

I think any steps to kick Montana's drinking problem is a good thing. As already said, many times fines don't work for teens because parents pay and too many parents think it's ok to let Jr drink so parents don't punish, so punishment in a way it effects teens is a good thing (detentions, writing papers, taking away sports, etc).

My only complaint is the lack of unfairness with the school punishments. Not being in a game is not the same as not be able to be in the graduation ceremony. I'd suggest making the first punishment for an MIP the same for everyone, like detentions with a multi-page research paper about the dangers of drinking due at the end (and having to get a passing grade on the paper). Then, the 2+ MIP takes away sports and such (but not graduation). That way the kids that beat themselves up and learn from their mistakes don't get punished unfairly just because they play sports or not. "

Local Trucker wrote on Mar 10, 2010 9:48 PM:

" Dont judge people(please) and yeah there is this to do here but there should be a youth center or more for young people. And for the most part we have pretty good teens in this area some make mistakes but who doesn't.
Im not making excuses and i don't think they should drink till drinking age and yeah we all did stupid things.
But this article is what to do about it rather than seeing them in a accident the school is offering a solutions to try and keep someones teen daugher or teen son from doing the same things
this is all im saying on it "

Please wrote on Mar 10, 2010 8:17 PM:

" Sidney has so much to offer all ages without chemically induced "fun." Besides all the school activities that keep kids and their parents on the run, there is hockey, gymnastics, 4H, Scouts, Archery, bowling, movies, hunting, fishing, skating, swimming, church youth groups, tennis, video games and movies to rent, dance, and dances. Last but not least, how about getting a job. Even youngsters can deliver newspapers, so don't let age deter you. Todays young people have more to do than any previos generation. Teens in big cities say "there's nothin to do" too. Life is not a party, so grow up and stop making excuses to party. Sure, move to a bigger city--you'll have more bars and clubs to chose from, but will still be doing what you did in Sidney as a teen - getting drunk or stoned. "

Local Trucker wrote on Mar 10, 2010 11:26 AM:

" Just wondering (please) what does sidney offer for young people you must not get out of the area much. And everyone else Its not permanent if you dont like what there doing speak up at meeting or shut up about it.I am not on no sides
It said
school officials are open to suggestions "

Nicole wrote on Mar 10, 2010 10:56 AM:

" back when i was in high school we would go drinking and driving and call them "roadies" all the time or driving home from parties drunk. i am so suprised that i didnt get into an accident or die because there were times i didnt even remember driving i was so drunk. teenagers need more things at risk to get them not to do it. its proven that young people have this mentality that they are going to live till they are old thinking that nothing can happen to them when they are young, so they will still do stupid things like that. they really dont care about the law cuz mommy and daddy will pay for the fines and there is no jail time for teens. and (not saying all parents are like this but from my experience there certainly are)for the parents that dont give a hoot really about their children and think drinking is no big deal they are not going to punish them. so y not let school take the lead and threaten maybe something more valuable. if they didnt care about the lives of their students they wouldn't teach in the first place they would find other jobs that wouldn't be in charge of the future of lives. yes i know sidney is a boring town to grow up in but if you can't find anything to do besides drinking and getting in trouble then your not going to make it in life. "

please wrote on Mar 10, 2010 10:13 AM:

" Would Memory Lane please elaborate on what teens in his/her current locale do so life isn't so painfully boring. Tired of hearing that excuse. Involved teens run from activity to activity as graduation nears and I honestly don't know how they have that much energy. Sidney has more to offer than big cities unless you have lots of money to buy your fun. Again please give details Memory Lane. "

Memory Lane wrote on Mar 10, 2010 8:43 AM:

" Boy if they would have done this back when I went to high school in Sidney very few people would have gotten to attend graduation.Not sure how it is now because I've moved away several years ago but back then Sidney was so painfully boring for someone nearing graduation age there wasn't much more to do but get hammered and waste gas running up and down central.I was born and raised there so something tells me not much has changed in the years except several last names I've never heard of. "

Really wrote on Mar 10, 2010 8:29 AM:

" thinking person - so what you are saying is that you want the school system to raise your kids for you? By giving the school this kind of power you are taking away the responsiblity of the parents to step up. Yes there are parents that do not take the reponsiblity of parenting. To be punished for something that is not school relate by the school is just wrong. Why stop with MIP's if they are going to punish for that then they should just go ahead and to the same for all drugs- shop lifting - speeding - fighting - after all it is illegal to do those as well what is stopping the school from add these to the list? "

Supporter wrote on Mar 10, 2010 8:27 AM:

" I think in this day and age, the more people we have looking out for our kids the better, that's all a lot of kids have. I have students at the school and if they get caught drinking, I'm not going to whine that they are being treated unfairly because, quite simply, they shouldn't be doing it. I think this is a good way to give them an alternative to still be able to participate in something as important as graduation. With that said, I also want to add that I do agree with some of the comments about being punished on hearsay and just the fact that a student may be around alcohol even if they are not taking part in its usage. Many students would rather call a friend for a ride home if they've been drinking instead of calling their parents. So if they go to pick up their friend at wherever the alcohol is and get caught there, I don't think its fair that they would also be punished for simply trying to keep their friend from being one less accident statistic. "

thinking person wrote on Mar 10, 2010 7:09 AM:

" Randy, go to a funeral of a young person who died because of an alcohol-related accident, and then say the school is overstepping its boundaries. "

community member wrote on Mar 10, 2010 6:52 AM:

" We need to support our school boards on policies which are intended to help the students. Students need to be aware of the consequences of their actions. I think that many parents are overlooking their own responsibilities. When they allow their children to have access to alcoholic beverages, they are going against what they know is best for that student. Do we need to have several auto accidents a year to prove this point? Perhaps the adults should exhibit a little self control and set a good example themselves! "

... wrote on Mar 9, 2010 1:56 PM:

" Nothing was ever said about not getting a diploma. As I understand it, a high school diploma is a "shall issue" document if the minimum state requirements are met. That being said, I disagree with the policy, as well as most anti-alcohol policies in schools as they are enforced. As it is now, there is no regulation, or formal investigation, and if there is, who conducts them and how? If I had something against someone and wanted them off the basketball team, I could go to a school administrator and say I seen them drinking last night and thats good enough. If it was to be fair, there would only be enforcement action taken if a citation was issued by somebody authorized to do so, and then only if the school system could make a good enough case to allow juvinile records to be released to them so they would have this information. The only other way should be if the violation occured in the presence of an administrator. Even if juviniles are not innocent until proven guilty, they should still not be punished on hearsay. The policy is not a bad one, however, care is required in the steps getting there, especially if the parents oppose this because, above all, they are the legal gurdian, not the school systems. "

whoever wrote on Mar 9, 2010 8:45 AM:

" David: If a student gets a MIP the law will take care of what happens to them and any additional courses they need to attend or probation. I agree that students should not use alcohol while being under age, but if they do and get caught, then lets let the law enforcement people of Sidney do their jobs. If a student is in a sport or school activity then yes, there should be a policy to discourage them from drinking, but not taking their diploma from them. Especially if they have earned the diploma, by doing their homework and reguired classes and passing those classes. I feel the Superintendent and Board should be more concerned of the education the students are getting to get their diploma, rather then trying to be the Sidney law enforcers. As for the Superintendent, Teachers and Staff of our School system, they should be setting a good example for the students and that includes when they are out of town for a workshop, school training or a conference, especially if it is paid for by the school system. "

Really wrote on Mar 9, 2010 7:18 AM:

" So a teacher can be punished by the law and that is enough. A student must be punished by the law and the parents and the school? Seems the school is over stepping the boundries. The school has no busy in the punishment if it did not happen during a school event or the school building.... "

David Larsen wrote on Mar 8, 2010 3:39 PM:

" Randy: If a teacher or other school official gets a DUI the law will take care of what happens to them. I agree that school officials should not use alcohol during or while overseeing school activities and perhaps there should be some type of policy in place to deal with that but the real bottom line is that there are no school officials under 21 years old and 21 is the legal drinking age. I don't know of any 21 year old high school students and if there are, I would really hate to try to sort that mess out. "

Randy wrote on Mar 5, 2010 11:07 PM:

" Just wondering what penalty the educators are to face if/when they are caught DUI or any other form of alcohol/substance abuse? The story fails to mention if the students will face the penalty if they are just being accused of substance abuse or upon an actual Conviction. "

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