Given that alcohol- and drug-related suspensions and expulsions in the Hart School District have doubled since 2003, the William S. Hart Union High School District is proud to offer parents and students a tool/deterrent to deal with the issue of alcohol and drug use.
Our new Comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Reduction and Education program or “CADRE” program includes programs in drug awareness education, training, counseling resources and a Voluntary Random Drug Testing (VRDT) program.
The VRDT program requires parent and student signature for enrollment and is designed to provide parents with a tool to discuss, prevent and if necessary intervene when drug or alcohol use is discovered. The VRDT program also gives students a reason to say ”No” when pressured to use drugs and a voice in the future of their school and community by taking a stand against illegal substance use.
A federal grant of $216,000 over the next three years pays for the program so drug testing costs will not come from the school or district budget. Even more important is the fact that there is no charge to parents or students.
The program is available to all Hart District parents and students in grades seven through 12. The VRDT is not designed to “catch” current drug or alcohol users or punish those who have used alcohol or drugs. It is designed to give parents a choice in prevention and intervention as well as a voice in our children’s future and in the future of the Santa Clarita community.
Enrollment in the program began on March 5 and is ongoing. Enrollment forms are available on the Hart District Web site at www.hartdistrict.org/cadre or forms can be picked up at any district sites at the receptionist desk. Both parent and student must sign the form.
Please visit the CADRE link on the Hart District Web site for more program information. If you suspect your son or daughter has a problem with drugs or alcohol, you can get help from their school counselor or by going to the CADRE link at www.hartdistrict.org/cadre for program resource information.