Ridge H.S. To Crack Down On Drinking, Drugs At School Events

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Ridge High School will be using Passive Breath Alcohol Sensor Devices (PBASD) to detect alcohol consumption at school events beginning at tonight's football game.

The implementation of this was a result of multiple incidents involving students in recent years.

"It is my understanding that within the last several years there were multiple incidents where students attended school functions under the influence and required medical attention," stated Ridge High School Principal Drew Krause in a letter to parents. "These incidents occurred at athletic events, proms, and even on overnight trips for some of our programs. Hence, the implementation and use of the PBASD."

Policy 5530 was put in place at the recommendation of the School Safety Team, the Faculty Advisory Council, the Parents Advisory Council and the RHS Administrative Staff.

The policy states that if there is a reasonable suspicion that a student may be under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance the student will be tested. If the test comes back with a positive result after testing there will be consequences.

Students who refuse to cooperate will not be allowed to enter the school event.

Ridge High School Assistant Principals will be present at school events where this problem has been most frequent and additional police officers have been hired for football games.

"Use of the PBASD last year helped to significantly reduce the instances of students attending school functions while under the influence," Krause said. "Our goal is to deter our students from making choices that could adversely affect their health and lead to severe consequences as outlined in Board Policy."

(Image via Shutterstock)

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