May 2006

Page 1

Buccaneer Bulletin Volume 9 Number 6

Oswego High School’s Student Voice

Alco-SensorED

May 2006

Freshmen Mentoring Considered Kris Dewine

Managing Editor

Photo by Abby Martin

Mr. John C. Anderson IV, Director of Security at OHS, demonstrates a device called the Alco-Sensor to Buccaneer Bulletin editor Allan Brown. It tells if students are under the influence of alcohol.

Prom Security Goes High-Tech Anderson Scott

Entertainment Editor

Maybe you know someone who is planning to have a few drinks before the prom, or someone who likes to smoke pot before a school activity. Schools are now are using high-tech devices to detect substance abuse . Last year, nearby F-M High School started instituted the use of saliva tests that can detect six different types of drugs. With the Oratect Multiple Drug Screen, staff at F-M can detect THC (marijuana), methamphetamines (crystal meth and ecstasy), cocaine, amphetamines (speed), PCP (angel dust), and opiates (heroin). At many other schools, including OHS, officials also can use what is called an Alco-Sensor to test for alcohol use. There is controversy about these types of tests, though. Not everyone thinks that this is a good idea, and it’s not

just the students who object. Barrie Gewanter executive director of the Central New York Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, disagrees such testing. She doesn’t think that schools should test students, based solely on the fact that they may show signs of strange behavior. She said, “Teenagers don’t always have conventional behaviors.” Here at OHS there is “No discussion at all concerning drug tests,” said Principal Peter Myles. “There is a policy for possession,” Myles said, and “If a student admits to using drugs, we suspend them.” Though Oswego High School does not use the saliva swab, Myles said that if OHS did have this tool, it would be used more as a “deterrent.” Testing of students is never random. There needs to be a reason to test a student, such as slurring words, erratic behavior, a tip from another student, an adult or chaperone about someone under the influence, or if a see

Columnist Affected by DWI Panel Page 2

Literary Magazine Revived Page 10

“alco-sensor” page 3

Chris Sova: Athlete of the Month Page 15

It is inevitable; the transition from middle school to high school is much like comparing apples to oranges. Knowing the security and simplicity of being surrounded by peers closest to your age for two years is extremely comforting. Suddenly, the “crutch” is gone and it becomes up to the incoming freshman whether to run in terror or grab the bull by the horns. Fortunately, schools across America have created peer mentoring programs to serve almost like a “big brother/big sister” system, to help freshmen students better adjust to their first year in an intimidating high school environment. The system created to help make the difficulties of high school a little less challenging has recently been adopted by many schools including some here in Central New York. The participating schools have implemented a peer mentoring program where seniors and some juniors are assigned to mentor freshmen who are at risk of struggling academically. Elizabeth Bunn, a senior at Auburn High School, recalls when she was first part of the “senior buddy program.” “When I was a freshman, my senior buddy was of no help; he didn’t really acknowledge me,” Bunn said in an interview published in The PostStandard. She had decided she didn’t want that to happen to other freshmen. She said she’s been working with her mentee every other day during her study hall period. Bunn helps her with her homework, puts her in touch with her teachers if extra help is needed and makes sure she is studying for tests. see

“mentoring programs” page 2

Also Inside ... • • •

Sullivan Walks the Plank Seniors Dating Freshmen? Bad Nutrition for Athletes


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
May 2006 by Buccaneer Bulletin - Issuu