Brookfield/Elm Grove Monthly
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/202308
NOVEMBER 2013 Freeman Brookfield & Elm Grove • Page 5A Breathalyzer tests a powerful deterrent No positive test results during area schools' homecoming activities "In general, the feedback we have received from staff, students and parents, is they understand the reason for a policy of this nature," Hansen BROOKFIELD – The possibility of being tested for alcohol consumption said. Mukwonago High School Principal is a powerful deterrent for students who may have considered showing up Jim Darin said no student had to be at a school function intoxicated, Elm- tested at either this year's homecombrook School District Superintendent ing dance or game. The procedure is that if a student is suspected of being Mark Hansen said. Another positive consequence of the district's recently intoxicated, a school resource officer or other police officer at the event expanded Breathalyzer policy has would conduct a Breathalyzer test. As been that it gives students an excuse the students enter the dance, they when being pressured by their peers must do so single file with an adult on to drink alcohol, he said. each side of the door who does a "People are appreciative to have a very specific reason to say no (to alco- quick inspection for apparent intoxication. hol)," Hansen said. In Oconomowoc, the high school Out of the five high schools interrandomly conducts Breathalyzer tests viewed by The Freeman that have Breathalyzer policies, none had a sin- on students at the homecoming dance. Principal Joseph Moylan said there gle incident of a student attending a homecoming dance or game intoxicat- were 920 students in attendance at this year's dance and not one tested ed this year. Hansen said the district, which has positive for alcohol. In the three years since the high school started to contwo high schools, has not had to rely duct random Breathalyzer tests, no on its Breathalyzer policy during games or dances. There was one inci- student has tested positive, he said. Moylan credits the school's public dent this year in which a Breathalyzrelations effort and sending a strong er test was administered during a message that drinking is not OK for school day. By Katherine Michalets Special to The Freeman the policy's success. "Why walk into a dance where you know people are going to be hostile toward it unless you want to get caught?" he said. As an administrator, Moylan said, he worries about the students at the dances and having the random Breathalyzer tests helps him worry less. Waukesha West High School also does random Breathalyzer testing at homecoming. Where Oconomowoc tests about every 20th student, Waukesha West has students grab a poker chip out of a bag. If they get the blue one, then they get tested. Waukesha West Principal David Laborde said the screening and testing is done in a neat and orderly fashion so it goes quickly. The students have been compliant with the tests, he said. In addition to the Breathalyzer tests, administrators and police officers are also at the dances to monitor the students. "Obviously, the purpose is to be a deterrent," Laborde said of the Breathalyzer tests. "Don't come to a school activity after making a poor choice." IN BRIEF Groundbreaking this month for Brookfield Christian School addition BROOKFIELD – The groundbreaking for a nearly 14,000-square-foot addition to Brookfield Christian School was to be held the morning of Oct. 11. MSI General has been awarded the contract to design, engineer, and construct a 13,775-square-foot addition to the existing school, 14155 W. Burleigh Road, that will provide more classroom space, an expanded library and multimedia center, art room and a regulation-sized gymnasium. Elmbrook, Hamilton recognized as good value by Forbes BROOKFIELD – The Elmbrook and Hamilton school districts were named by Forbes.com as two of the top school districts in the country for the housing dollar, according to a news release. This is the third time in four years that the Elmbrook School District has earned the distinction. In the listing, Forbes.com recognizes strong student achievement results in communities whose average home price was less than double the national median. "This recognition reinforces the effort of our staff, parents, and the Elmbrook community to provide a high-quality education experience for our students," said Elmbrook Superintendent Mark Hansen in the release. Forbes.com's survey Best Schools For Your Housing Buck, "found that the best high-performing public school districts with affordable housing are in Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin." 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