Health and Wellness Initiative

This initiative is serving our mission to educate and develop boys into men of faith, scholarship and service by proactively seeking to identify and address issues that may hinder or derail the healthy growth, development and maturation expected of the students during their time at CCHS. In addition, and together with other school preventative and educational programs, we determined this initiative was needed to curb illegal drug use, which is both a national and local epidemic.

Through surveys, parent reports, student disclosure, faculty and staff observation and reported incidents we realize we are not immune to these health and safety concerns. Rather than hide and be ashamed, the Central Catholic community will bring these concerns and issues to the light of faith and reason. Pushing the age of first use past the age of 18 years significantly decreases the chance for substance abuse issues, which some of our alumni have heroically fought through.

The current policy was chosen through a rigorous three-year process of administrative, legal, best-practice and diocesan counsel coming together to choose the most effective synthesis of substance identification, support and safety for both the school and the students.

Central Catholic uses a few means (self-report surveys, counselors and end of the year statistics) to understand the issues concerning the young men entrusted to our care. These results show that some of our students struggle with illegal drug use. We, as an institution, want to proactively work with our students and families in addressing these concerns.

We work with our students in multiple ways to educate, prevent and intervenein regard to alcohol misuse. Students are educated with classroom lessons on alcohol, speak with our school counselors and psychologist about their questions and concerns and at times are referred to outside experts.

The counseling center and Lasallian ministry work closely together to build a culture of spiritual and psychological well-being, which includes brotherhood
and redemption for our students. We have partnered with young adults in our community who have struggled with alcohol and are serious about recovery. Each year, students partake in a day of reflection with them so that they can make positive connections in regard to navigating alcohol misuse.

No. While an opt-out program was considered early in the process, the current policy was deemed best to incorporate at our school. Legally speaking, students are not compelled to attend Central Catholic, as it is a privilege. By accepting admission and agreeing to abide by Central Catholic’s policies, which do not run in violation with Federal or Pennsylvania constitutional protections, all students are required to participate in the program.

No. Many of our students will encounter drug testing at some point in their lives – when they apply for a job or pursue athletics at a higher level. Because of the nature of the test, a hair sample, students do not suffer from the embarrassment of a urine sample. Most importantly, we are doing this for the benefit of our students: to keep them free of illegal substances. This certainty of detection will give them another reason to say “no” to the pressure of using illegal drugs.

From the start of the monthly random selection to its close, all students are eligible to be randomly selected. If your son is selected, you will receive a notification via email (at the email on file with CCHS). In addition, your son will receive a letter that he is responsible for bringing to you.

If the result is negative:

• Parent/guardian(s) will be emailed (at the email on file with CCHS) the results of a negative result.

If the result is positive:

• Parent/guardian(s) will receive a phone call. Once contact has been made by the school, the student will be notified of his results.

• We expect parent/guardian(s) to be both supportive and adherent to the requirements of the student, which include:

• A plan of action set forth, which includes getting appropriate evaluation and providing CCHS with the results and recommendations of that assessment/evaluation.

Please refer to the Mandatory Random Drug Testing Policy for more information and details: www.centralcatholichs.com/wellness

Hair samples and forms are coded with a unique student ID number (no names), different from the eight digit number the student knows, and given to thetesting service. All correspondence including but not limited to emails, letters, memoranda, as well as all drug test results shall be considered confidential information and will be handled by CCHS confidentially. All files pertaining to drug testing will be kept confidential and separate from the student’s education records, and only school personnel will have access to the information on a need- to-know basis.

No part of the testing or screening results will go on the student’s electronic
or permanent record and thus will not be disclosed to any college, potential employer, etc. The counselor will keep records on file for a time of up to one (1) year past the student’s graduation date, after which the record will be destroyed.

Information regarding the results of a student’s test(s) will not be be disclosed to authorities except in accordance with a valid subpoena or other legal process.

Any student who volunteers the use of illegal drugs to a counselor, administrator or other staff member will be offered the appropriate resources. No disciplinary action has ever been or will be taken for a student who freely steps forward to seek help. Students in a treatment program are still eligible to be selected as part of random drug testing.

Hair testing provides the most accurate and reliable results. Students and their families are welcome to request a re-test at their own cost and the risk of getting a second positive result which is outlined in the policy.