Pubdate: Wed, 01 Apr 2009
Source: Carroll County Comet (IN)
Copyright: 2009 Carrollpapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.carrollcountycomet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4148
Author: Jennifer Archibald
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

CARROLL BOARD MEETS WITH STUDENTS

Carroll School Board members had their annual meeting  with the
Student Council during the school day on March  17.

Among the topics discussed were drugs, cell phones,  economic impact
on the schools, 10-year plan, and  students' "wish list."

Students were asked about Carroll students' drug use.  Among high
school students, the Student Council  estimated that 15-20 percent are
regular users of  drugs, and maybe as high as 40 percent use
occasionally  or at least have tried drugs. Their perception is that
the students use recreational drugs, not performance  enhancing drugs.

The students also said they believe the school's random  drug testing
is not very effective. By law, it can only  test those who drive to
school, are in athletics, or in  extracurricular activities. Students
said those who  drive, but do not want to take a chance on being
tested  for drugs, park at the YMCA and catch a ride to school  with
someone else.

Assistant principal Fred Schnarr said the school  usually has one to
three drug searches a year. He said  he has made several requests to
law enforcement for  searches this year, but has gotten no response.
Principal Charles Huckstep said drugs are usually not  found in the
searches.

Board member Dave Lambert asked about student use of  cell phones
during the school day, which is prohibited.  The students said cell
phone use, especially texting,  is prevalent. Students seem to know
where and when they  can get by with it. One girl said restrooms are a
  popular place for cell phone use.

Malena Zook asked what effect the state of the economy  is having on
the schools.

Superintendent John Sayers said they are looking at  ways to cut
energy costs, and they are holding off on  starting some projects, but
they have not had to reduce  teaching staff - for next year anyway.

Sayers said the latest electric bill for the two  schools was
$16,000.

He pointed out that the state is taking over schools'  general fund,
and he wonders where that money will come  from.

Megan Garrison asked about the corporation's 10- year
plan.

Sayers said the first priority is air conditioning the  entire
junior-senior high school, and the goal is to  accomplish that by next
September. He said however, it  will depend on the bids that come in.

The next project, he said, will be the science  addition, and several
options are being considered.

Improving the traffic flow at the schools is also in  the
plan.

This summer, Sayers said improvements to the gym will  be
made.

He listed as long range plans - seating at the pool;  roof, parking
lot, and facility maintenance work; and  possibly, more athletic
facilities or a field house.

He said the wrestlers have been practicing in the  cafeteria, but the
YMCA has agreed to let the team  practice there.

Some of the things students mentioned on their "wish  list" were
working clocks in the hallways, more  projectors and lap tops for
classrooms, faster Internet  access, new library books, and inside
locks on  classroom doors.

Kevin Knaus brought up the locks as a school safety  issue. He said in
an emergency situation, the drill is  to lock the doors, stay in the
rooms, and stay out of  the hallways. But he said teachers have to go
into the  hallway to lock the doors.

Students who brought up needs for the music department  and athletics
were told to look at the handbook for  procedures. Possible answers
are through the Music  Boosters, Athletic Boosters, or from
sponsorships and  fundraisers.

Dylon Shields asked for more hands-on work in classes,  to make them
more interesting. He also expressed  concern that substitute teachers
do not have control of  the class, and things happen that shouldn't.

Board member Michelle Simmons asked why some students  are falling
behind, and what could be done to help  them.

Those who answered said two of the reasons students  fail are that
they don't care and/or they have a poor  home environment. They said
there are resources at the  school to help them, but they don't seek
help.

Kevin Knaus said he believes the mentoring program at  the elementary
is important because it helps students  before they reach the high
school level.

Board president Sam Zook asked for a quick ranking of  Carroll Jr.-Sr.
High School from one to ten, with ten  being the best. The consensus
was seven.

Although junior high school Student Council members did  not attend
the meeting, they did submit questions,  which were presented.

Student Council sponsors are Danna Bonfiglio, junior  high, and Ryan
Duff, high school. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake