Print Version
Email this story
Comment
Breathalyzers to be used at school events
 |
| H&N photo by Andrew Mariman Klamath Union High School student body president Sarah Kellom demonstrates how to use new school breathalyzers. Held like a microphone, the AlcoBlow can pick up trace amounts of alcohol from the person speaking into it. Faculty are hoping to curb teenage drinking. The breathalyzers will be on hand at all home football games. |
Officials hope to encourage students to stop and think before they drink
By STEVE KADEL
H&N Staff Writer
Klamath Union High School students suspected of drinking at school-sponsored activities may be tested on site for alcohol consumption.
Three new alcohol monitors were purchased to check students who might have been drinking. Called “AlcoBlow,” the devices were unveiled Friday during an assembly skit with principal Jeff Bullock playing the part of an inebriated student.
At games, dances
Tonie Kellom, KU’s vice principal for discipline, said they could be used at events such as athletic contests and dances. By publicizing their existence, school officials hope to encourage students to stop and think before they drink.
“The kids are fully aware of what’s going on,” Kellom said.
She noted that “AlcoBlow” gives three readings according to the amount of alcohol consumed — zero, low or high. Schools take a zero-tolerance stance because minors are not supposed to consume any amount of alcohol, Kellom said.
Not every student who attends a school activity will be tested. However, the testing devices will be useful in the case of students who appear to have had alcohol.
“We’ll have a higher awareness because of the ease of using it,” Kellom said.
KU used a different kind of breath analyzer in past years. That version was smaller and more difficult to use than the new kind. “AlcoBlow” units are bright yellow and are shaped like a microphone.
“The kids all want to talk into it,” Kellom said with a laugh.
She emphasized the purpose isn’t just to punish students who drink.
“If we can catch a kid, it’s often a chance to help them,” Kellom said. “We want to use this as a tool, not just a hammer.”
Her daughter, Sarah, a senior who is student body president, believes it will have a positive effect.
“There is drinking going on,” she said. “They will most definitely think twice.”
Mazama High School has used a different kind of breath analyzer for several years. Principal Terry Bennett said students are aware the devices are available for use at school functions.
“We do a good job, especially with freshmen in health classes, talking about choices,” Bennett said.
Students who have had alcohol are automatically recommended for expulsion, with the case forwarded to the district office for final determination.
County superintendent Greg Thede said secondary schools have alcohol analyzers that can be used at sports events, dances and other school events. They provide documentation if there’s suspicion a student has consumed alcohol, he said.
Three new alcohol monitors were purchased to check students who might have been drinking. Called “AlcoBlow,” the devices were unveiled Friday during an assembly skit with principal Jeff Bullock playing the part of an inebriated student.
At games, dances
Tonie Kellom, KU’s vice principal for discipline, said they could be used at events such as athletic contests and dances. By publicizing their existence, school officials hope to encourage students to stop and think before they drink.
“The kids are fully aware of what’s going on,” Kellom said.
Zero tolerance
She noted that “AlcoBlow” gives three readings according to the amount of alcohol consumed — zero, low or high. Schools take a zero-tolerance stance because minors are not supposed to consume any amount of alcohol, Kellom said.
Not every student who attends a school activity will be tested. However, the testing devices will be useful in the case of students who appear to have had alcohol.
“We’ll have a higher awareness because of the ease of using it,” Kellom said.
KU used a different kind of breath analyzer in past years. That version was smaller and more difficult to use than the new kind. “AlcoBlow” units are bright yellow and are shaped like a microphone.
“The kids all want to talk into it,” Kellom said with a laugh.
She emphasized the purpose isn’t just to punish students who drink.
“If we can catch a kid, it’s often a chance to help them,” Kellom said. “We want to use this as a tool, not just a hammer.”
Her daughter, Sarah, a senior who is student body president, believes it will have a positive effect.
“There is drinking going on,” she said. “They will most definitely think twice.”
Mazama High School has used a different kind of breath analyzer for several years. Principal Terry Bennett said students are aware the devices are available for use at school functions.
“We do a good job, especially with freshmen in health classes, talking about choices,” Bennett said.
Students who have had alcohol are automatically recommended for expulsion, with the case forwarded to the district office for final determination.
County superintendent Greg Thede said secondary schools have alcohol analyzers that can be used at sports events, dances and other school events. They provide documentation if there’s suspicion a student has consumed alcohol, he said.
 |
||
| Farmers Market finds |
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
RSS