Student safety powers Hewlett-Woodmere's policy

Though there is mixed student reaction to the Hewlett-Woodmere School District’s six-year policy of administering field sobriety tests to students at school-sponsored events whom staff think may have consumed alcohol, the testing will continue.

The field sobriety test, similar to what motorists would receive if pulled over by police, consists of a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test that checks the student’s vision, pupil size and eye movement; a Walk and Turn test in which the student would place one foot in front of the other and walk straight while counting their steps out loud; a One Leg Stand test to measure balance and a breathalyzer test to determine the student’s blood alcohol content.

Hewlett High School Principal Thomas Russo said only trained school officials may administer a field sobriety test along with the supervision of two witnesses. A school official’s suspicions that a student may be under the influence of alcohol must be in accordance with the district’s Alcohol/Breathalyzer Policy which states, “reasonable suspicion shall be based on objective criteria including, but not limited to, admissions, reliable statements of others, alcohol on the breath, impairment of motor control and other outward signs of alcohol use or intoxication.”

The reason for field sobriety tests is, according to the district’s Alcohol/Breathalyzer Policy, “to deter the possession, transportation and distribution of alcoholic beverages and thereby to strengthen our existing efforts to promote a safe, healthy, and productive environment.”

Senior Matthew Nir doesn’t agree with the district administering field sobriety tests because he thinks no one will consume alcohol before a school sponsored event such as the prom, which took place on June 2. “I’ve never known anyone who drank before the prom,” he said. “Students know that if you drink you can’t walk at graduation and everyone wants that picture of themselves getting their diploma.”

Alexis Wiener, also a senior, disagrees with Nir. “I think it’s a good idea because I don’t think you need to drink to go to prom,” she said. “People shouldn’t be under the influence at school-sponsored events.”

If a student is found to be under the influence of alcohol, Russo said parents are notified to transport their child home and an informal hearing will follow to determine the student’s punishment.

The district’s Alcohol/Breathalyzer Policy states, “Any student determined to have possessed, transported or distributed alcoholic beverages during school hours, or during school-sponsored activities or events either on or off school premises shall be subject to immediate suspension and further discipline as provided in Section 3214 of the Education law of the State of New York.”

Superintendent Dr. Joyce Bisso said, “students and staff are well aware of procedures for field sobriety testing and the use of breathalyzer as appropriate. As attendees at a school-sponsored event, students and their guests are subject to the District’s policies and regulations.”

Senior Marina Perper understands why the district administers sobriety tests and thinks they should continue to do so, especially at the prom. “Prom is an event where you shouldn’t be drunk because it will take away from the experience,” she said. “Prom is a night to remember and you don’t want drunken behavior.”

Russo said the district will continue to administer field sobriety tests in the future.