Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
The Cheyenne County School District No.1 board of education Monday approved changes to the drug and alcohol policy.
The policy reads that “participation in extracurricular activities is a privilege, not a right.” Likewise, students who participate in extracurricular activities are role models for other students. In a recent work session, the board and staff discussed the impact of tobacco on teens and random drug testing of students involved in extracurricular activities.
The policy as approved Monday night says “students who wish to participate in school sponsored activities at the secondary school (grades 7-12) level must participate in the school’s random tobacco, drug and alcohol testing.” Consent to random testing is part of the eligibility requirement. In the work session, Superintendent Jay Ehler said the random selection is designed so even he does not know who is chosen for testing.
The addition of tobacco to the testing policy was approved 4-0 with board members Tom Von Seggern and Brad Kennedy absent.
The board also approved annual policies of Parent Involvement, Student Fees and Attendance and Excessive Absenteeism.
The board also approved enrollment option requests for Rheo Dykstra and Rhett Dykstra to enter the district, and received a report from Dave and Jen Mead on the New York City Choir trip. Sidney High School was invited to perform under the direction of renowned director Eric Whitacre. Dave Mead said performing under Whitacre normally requires an audition. For Sidney High School, it could almost be called “dumb luck.” A member of the board saw a video of Sidney High School choir on YouTube and reached out to the school. After extensive fundraising and event planning, Sidney High School musicians and adults left for a week of performing and seeing once-in-a-lifetime sites.
“In the world of choral music, Eric Whitacre is by far the best,” Mead said. “It was amazing to watch him.”
The board also reviewed finances, noting that local June tax revenue is up $344,000 from May.
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