RB HOPES TO DETER DRUG USE WITH PROM TESTS

Any Student Suspected Of Using Alcohol, Drugs Will Be Tested

Prom night is a night that high school students eagerly anticipate
and parents often secretly dread.

But this year there will be something new at
the Riverside-Brookfield High School prom, which will be held
Friday at the Museum of Science and Industry, that might help
parents rest a little easier.

Along with the tuxedos, prom dresses and chaperones on hand Friday
night school officials will also have portable drug testing kits
that they will use if they suspect that students might be high on
something other than excitement. Breathalyzers will also be
available to test students who appear drunk.

In order to purchase prom tickets, students were required to sign a
release stating that they would be subject to drug and/or alcohol
testing if they appear high or intoxicated. If prom-goers are
suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs they will
be tested. If they test positive for drugs or alcohol they will be
removed from the prom and their parents will be called to pick them up.

"It's a real deterrent," said RB drug and alcohol counselor Jim Keck
when he outlined the policy last week at a meeting for parents. "You
got public humiliation."

The drug kits, which cost about $25 each, can test for the presence
of a number of drugs in just a few minutes, said Keck. RB has had
Breathalyzers available for school dances and past proms for a
number of years, but this is the first time school officials will
have drug testing kits available according to Assistant Principal
John Passarella. Last year one student was removed from the prom
because of alcohol consumption, Passarella said.

"What's new is that we also have drug testing kits available," said Keck.

School officials had considered the possibility of testing every
prom-goer as they entered the prom, but decided that would be too
intrusive and decided to only test those whom they suspect might be
under the influence.

Students have reacted mostly positively to the decision, said Keck.
Students thought it was fair to be able to test for drugs as well as
alcohol unlike in previous years.

There will be about 24 chaperones at the prom, with some stationed
in restrooms, to make sure attendees don't indulge in drugs and
alcohol and have a fun and safe evening.

"I want to make sure we see kids on Monday," said Passarella.

The eight parents who attended the meeting with school officials
last Wednesday applauded the precautions.

"My impression is that this seemed to cover all the bases that the
school is responsible to cover," said Riverside resident Mel
Tomeczko, whose daughter will be attending the prom.

But a few parents expressed concern about kids driving on Chicago
expressways after the prom lets out at midnight.

The post-prom activity, funded by the RB's Patron's Council and is
mandatory for prom-goers, will be a Second City comedy sketch
performance held at the Museum of Science and Industry from 11 p.m.
to midnight.

"At midnight they will be released from us," said Passarella.

While many students have arranged to take limousines to the prom,
others will be driving and that has some parents concerned about the
late night trip home or to other activities.

Last year the Patron's Council sponsored a Lake Michigan boat
cruise, but this year chose to have the post-prom activity at the prom site.

RB is not providing any transportation to the prom this year, but
may provide prom transportation in the future.

"We're seriously considering [next year] having a bus from RB to the
venue and the bus would bring them back," said
Superintendent/Principal Jack Baldermann. "It will be mandatory."

But for this year, school officials told parents to make sure that
limo drivers know that the students are minors and to insist that
students not be allowed to consume any alcohol or drugs on their way
to and from the prom.

School officials also warned parents that unofficial prom activities
go on beyond Friday night and that they must monitor their children
and remain vigilant.

"Prom is a weekend-long adventure," said Keck.