High-Tech Way to Stop High School Smoking
High-Tech Way to Stop High School Smoking Save Email Print
Posted: 8:52 PM Nov 19, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:52 PM Nov 19, 2008
 Reporter: Randy Yohe
Email Address: randy.yohe@wsaz.com
54 comments
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GREENUP COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- New technology is helping a Kentucky high school put an end to students trying to sneak a smoke.

The bathroom smoking problem is bad enough at Greenup County High School that teachers and aids have to be stationed at each restroom during classes. They also keep sign in and out sheets at each restroom.

As a result, the school is spending about $5,600 on a high-tech smokebusters system. It will electronically sense heat from matches or lighters in the bathroom and alert a principal, who can catch the violator in the act. Non-smoking students said they can't wait.

There have been 49 recorded smoking-in-school incidents documented so far this year in Greenup County involving 43 different students.
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Posted by: gchs senior 09 on Dec 14, 2008 at 03:27 PM
i think this is a great idea becuase most of my friends and I dont go to the bathroom all day becuase we dont want to smell like smoke. Thats pretty bad. I really hope these start to work. So far I have seen them working and im pretty happy. For all the people who are talking crap about my school. just com and take a look for yourself. Once you walk in those doors you will be surprised. Our school has definitly improved since i have been there. Im proud to say that I am from Greenup County Highschool and I wouldnt have it any other way. So everyone quit judging us and come look for yourselves. Oh by the way. leave our football team out of this okay. Thanks.
Posted by: Josh Howerton on Nov 25, 2008 at 10:06 PM
to our school to look at our renovated facilities, and included in this bunch is our rival down the road in Russell. We also have smart boards in every class and near six classes that have an iMac for every student, while other classes have about three iMacs per class. We also have Blackboard for some of our classes like the Advanced Spanish II class. So if you think GCHS is as bad as you think, how about you come in and look for yourselfs, I'm sure if you want to see are school that bad and with the trash you've been talking, that someone in our administration would be willing to show you. But just remember, if you get your nicotine craving starts up in school, these heat sensors that you've been bashing, are installed in our bathrooms and if you decide to light up, you will get caught.
Posted by: Josh Howerton on Nov 25, 2008 at 09:58 PM
what is offered at GCHS. In 2006, my freshman year, I started to take the Advanced Classes and have done so since then. Right now I am in an AP Class, which all the students in my class are doing well in. And however we got on the subject of our football team was brought about by an idiot who thought they could make a joke out of our boys and their performance. I know alot of the players on the football team and Christi if you think they couldn't take on your little sister you're mistaken. Their is this little club for our boys in weight lifting that includes the 1000 Pound Club, for those who have lifted 1000 Pound and there are also Pound Clubs above that. And if you still think that GC players couldn't take your sister, one of our players laid out a Wheelersburg Pirates football player, and the Pirates player was on varsity, not JV or Freshman team, and the Pirates player had to sit on the sideline for the next few plays to recover. And like others have said, other schools have come
Posted by: Josh Howerton on Nov 25, 2008 at 09:45 PM
I agree with what the school is doing by installing the heat sensors and am tired of reading all this BS about how Greenup County HS is a bad school and then talking about stuff that has nothing to do with these topic like our football team, how you think us students are stupid, and our test scores. These have nothing to do with this topic yet you guys can't think of anything else to give us a hard time about. Like some others have said how about you look at our test scores. If you back over the last few years before Matt Baker was Principal and after he became Principal, YOU WILL NOTICE AN IMPROVEMENT and are school has also recognized it. And because of how well GCHS students did on CATS Testing, those who got either a Distinguished or Proficient on the tests are receiving an award each month beginning in December because of their accomplishments. Also for those of you who think are students, including myself, are stupid, how about you look at the classes that are offered at GCHS and
Posted by: Upset Student on Nov 23, 2008 at 09:17 PM
I really wish you people would spend one day at the highschool & see what really goes on before you start doggin us. Its pathetic!! I hate going into the bathrooms at school because when I come out I smell like I just got done smoking a pack! And when you come out, you have teachers asking you if you were in there smoking. I do not smoke and I hate smelling it. I have asthma and when I go to the bathroom sometimes its hard for me to breath! Its really uncomfortable. From what my parents have told me when they were in school they had a certain area for the "smokers" to go outside and smoke. But they had to have permisson from their parents. This could work. But half of our school would be out there at one time smoking. Sometimes in the bathroom there are people smoking other things besides cigerettes.I am excited about this & hope it works. We just got pretty much a whole new school & some kids aren't very appreciative. If we didn't have the smoking issue we would have a perfect school!
Posted by: Parent on Nov 22, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Yeah, the football team isnt the best! Look at who we beat this year. WooHoo we beat Lewis County, Lawernce County!!! Big wins, haha!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 11:32 PM
how about getting rid of all the dope in the school.....
Posted by: JUNIOR on Nov 21, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Honestly, I think this is a good idea. I know that the people that do smoke in the bathrooms don't care but there are a lot of students that can't even use the restroom because this is such a suvire issue. Also, it's stupid to even mention the football team because smoking in the bathrooms has nothing to do with that subject. (The GCHS football team tries and atleast they made it to disrtict) Now, we aren't stupid/idoits/or anything of that nature either, if you would take a look at the test scores you would know this. here's some info: http://datacenter.courier-journal.com/schools/kentucky/tests/cats/school/221027/greenup-county-high-school just for all you who are too lazy to look for yourselves before saying something you're inaware of. one more thing.. as a student here, I will admitt I'm not totally happy with the school system but our school is a lot better than a lot in the area.
Posted by: Fred on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:14 PM
I do hope they get a new ball coach with their state of the art school.
Posted by: A Teacher on Nov 21, 2008 at 02:05 PM
The article is about smoke detectors, not football teams, coaches, or anything else. By GCHS doing something of this nature about the problem..then everyone-including the atheletes-can breathe a bit better. GCHS has completely renovated the school, making it a BETTER learning environment for students and better work environment for their faculty and staff. GCHS has books for all students, if your child doesn't have one-it is possible that they choose not to bring one home. Ask them before placing blame. GCHS is the most up-to-date on technology; other schools are coming to visit and seeing for themselves that there are Smart Boards in all the classes, including the new media center-that students are actively using. As some students have said in their comments, come for a visit, learn your facts first. There was an open house in October, how many of you that are griping showed up to see what is at GCHS? The school is on its way to bigger and better-be a part of the journey; support GCHS.
Posted by: GCHS on Nov 21, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Our football doesn't matter people. what the problem is SMOKING!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Posted by: Mike on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:26 AM how about getting a football coach with the money?? you guys are pathetic probably mike sammons himself.
Posted by: Tyler Barnett on Nov 21, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Okay as before i was known as GCHS junior but have now put my real name. This issue of smoking in the school restrooms has nothing to do with our football coach or program. This is an in school issue only. Actually we are using our money more wisely because instead of wasting money on sports programs we our money on the bettering of students health and education. But if you would like to talk about football in 2007 we made it further then we had in 30 years. GCHS not only won the district championship in 2007 but made it just as far as any other team in the area. Students at GCHS come to school for the same reasons as all other students in the area yet we get the bad wrap on things because of the reputation that certain individuals have given us in the past. GCHS is a much better school then everyone gives us credit for. So for everyone posting bad comments about our school you don't know as much as you think because you do not attend our school.
Posted by: CW on Nov 21, 2008 at 11:00 AM
What does football have to do with smoking in the bathroom? The only way I see it is this. The people that are digging our school are bitter smokers who got busted for smoking when they went here. So quit making stupid digs that you know nothing about. You guys are showing that the only thing that is stupid around here is the people leaving these clueless comments. Seriously
Posted by: Jessica GCHS Senior on Nov 21, 2008 at 10:09 AM
This smoking ban has absolutely nothing to do with our academics, and nothing to do with the football team, so why is that a subject discussed? Thank you very much, GCHS has improved their test scores, and the football team is getting better as well. Maybe not by much, but it's still an improvement. I don't care what you may say about it, but GCHS cares enough about the health of their students to try to stomp out smoking. I smoke, I won't deny it. But I do not smoke in or on school property. I have enough respect for those who do not smoke, and for my school not to do something like that. I think the sensors are a wonderful idea, and I am glad to attend a school that shows they care about us enough to try to end this smoking frenzy once and for all. Greenup County may not be all that great in your opinion, but if you ask me, it's probably a better place to be than where you're at!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 21, 2008 at 06:52 AM
As a proud parent of a GCHS Senior, I am in hopes that this works. My child has asthma and allergies, and stopping the smoking would help and the students could use the restroom when needed without smelling like an ashtray. And Christi I honestly think that you are concerned way to much about what goes on at GCHS, the football team has nothing to do with this issue. So if you have no idea what is actually going on don't say anything at all. GCHS offers several AP classes with excellent teachers teaching them. I know this because my child is one of the EXCELLENT STUDENTS THAT GCHS HAS!!!!!!
Posted by: Mike on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:26 AM
how about getting a football coach with the money?? you guys are pathetic
Posted by: Christi on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:18 AM
countryboy,considering Greenup's football team the last several years,I stand corrected,there probably are not 10 that could over power my little sister.....Miranda,can you spell or use spell check,you give me a headache trying to figure out what you are trying to say.If Boyd Co used the system and it failed,ah nevermind,way over their heads
Posted by: This system on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:18 PM
has been used in Logan County Schools for years and is effective. Congrats to GC for wanting to help students live a healthier life. However it takes more than just the monitors it takes an administrator roaming the halls to make the children wonder how close they are if they set it off.
Posted by: A Senior on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Hey Christi where are you from? If you don't go there you obviously don't know how severe the problem is. It sucks that we can't use the restrooms because of the smoke. This would help the other students who have asthma like me. And for your information we're probably are better than your school is anyway. Look up our test scores. Over 200 of our students scored high on the test.
Posted by: Country Boy from GCHS on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:01 PM
I am also a Senior at GCHS, and I, like many others, am taking 2 or more college classes. For those of you who are saying that GCHS is stupid, you need to look at yourselves before you criticize us. One of you have more grammar errors in your comment than any three of us. What were your test scores in high school? When is the last time any of you who are criticizing us have been inside the new high school? By the way, we just spent close to 7 million dollars on new technology and books for the students. So, don't comment on somthing you don't know anything about and then call us stupid. Christi, I personally know the armed officer at my school, and no ten students could "over power" him. The smoking problem needs to be solved, and this could very well be the answer many students have looked for. This is a huge distraction for all the students and our education. Those of you who are opposed to this new system are worried about your money, you are not worried about us or our education!!!!
Posted by: ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL on Nov 20, 2008 at 08:46 PM
i don't care what everyone is saying but i think Greenup is improving, and is doing a great job at it!! SO ROCK ON GCHS!!
Posted by: LTC on Nov 20, 2008 at 05:55 PM
As a student at this school, I can say that smoking is a problem. You can't go to the restroom without coming out stinking bacuse of the smoke. However, I think the school is making a mistake. People have always smoked at school and always will. If this works and people stop smoking in the restrooms, they will just smoke somewhere else. During class changes there might be 10 students in the restrooms; and they all smell like smoke, which one are you going to acuse? Already we have to wait in line and sign in just to use the restroom, I don't smoke at all let alone at school, why I am being punished? The problem is never going away, all the school is doing is wasting money and giving us a hard tme.
Posted by: G.C.H.S. PARENT on Nov 20, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Ithink its good what they did with the smoke detectors,my daughter gets sick and tired of coming out of the bathroom smelling like smoke and getting asked if she was in there smoking.Our tests scores are up by the way,our elementary kids are celebrating tomorrow.Also the high school is too.You all are just mad because everyone wants to be us!!!!!!!!! G.C.H.S. ROCKS
Posted by: Chelsea on Nov 20, 2008 at 04:52 PM
So maybe Greenup is not the best school district in the world, but everyone has their flaws. But many of you with your negative comments don't know what the smoking problem is like at Greenup. Many girls, including myself, can't go to the bathroom at school. There is always a long line and the bathrooms are so full of smoke and the scent of cheap perfume that it is hard to breathe. I am glad that they are finally doing something about it. I just hope that this works because it doesn't seem very trustworthy. And at Greenup, we have enough books for every class and dozens of new computers and technology. So please before you make your harsh comments towards Greenup County, do some research.
Posted by: Nick on Nov 20, 2008 at 03:51 PM
To Christi, and other people saying bad things about GCHS: First of all, we DO have enough textbooks, we have over 500,000 dollars worth of technology in the classrooms, and in our region, the only people we fell short to in test scores was Russell. We beat Elliot, Boyd, Ashland Ind., Raceland, Lewis, and Fairview. And yes, the smoke is so bad, that when we go to the bathroom, or walk down the hall for that matter, we smell like smoke. Matt Baker, Amanda Powell, and Aaron Collier are the principals, and they will take the necessary action needed to stop this. I would say that one of them will always be on call to this. Our school has radios that all of the Administrators have, and they always walk the halls, and Will only be less that 2 minutes away. So excuse me if I offended anyone, or went over anyone's head, but this is the best idea we have had in a while
Posted by: Miranda on Nov 20, 2008 at 02:07 PM
I have you know, Christi, that though it may be stereotyped that Greenup County is a "bad school district", it's actually not. There are a select few that choose to make the district look bad. Recently Greenup County High School had a quite pricy renevation that included iMacs and Smartboards in every classroom, new textbooks, and many other things to help further the students education. It's ALL been paid for. So I think you are the one who needs to "wake up". Also, the test scores are not bad. Look it up. Idiot.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:51 PM
I feel this is a great idea. However I don't know how successful it will be. But I will support any action to put a stop to the smoking issue. I am so sick of waiting six hours to use the bathroom, due to the fact that if I enter any of the bathrooms in GCHS, I smell like smoke for the rest of the day. It is ridiculous. I am tired of the staff saying don't do that again. We are in a sad state when peers have to watch peers and check for smokers. Students that watch the bathroom really have no authority over the smokers; therefore nothing is done about the issue. I really wish the staff would take serious action against smoking. Thirty years down the road 1/2 the people that attended Greenup County will have lung cancer from second-hand smoke. It is time for action to be taken.
Posted by: MS 6PC on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:45 PM
As a class we decided to read all of the comments and give our educated comment. We feel that this school is well above the other districts in our area in technology if not in the state. No school is perfect but we are well on our way to becoming one of the top schools in the area. We have a lot of students and staff that have breathing problems and they can't go to the bathroom because of the smoking. We have good teachers who care about us and are concerned about our well-being. So not only the staff but the students want to make this a better place. Have you looked at the test scores? We are 3rd in northeastern Kentucky. Know your facts before you speak!!!!
Posted by: Concerned Parent on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:30 PM
I think the students should not be able to use the restrooms at all, or make them all go at once, just like grade school.
Posted by: GCHS GRAD on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Perhaps some of you are correct. Maybe the school should not worry about the helath and safety of its students. Though I think if your child was one that was affected by severe Asthma you might disagree. Perhaps we should spend more money on textbooks and computers as well. Even though we have more computers and technology then any other school in the area and spent close to $100,000 last year on textbooks, clearly we could do more. Yes, our test scores are not at the top, but we have made steady improvements over the last several years. Perhaps we could do better, if all of the students who were more concerned about getting their nicotine fix between classes, or better yet skipping classes to do so, would "flee" our district. Then maybe we could match up to the high expectations of the taxpaying community. If any of you would like to volunteer to help teachers supervise the restrooms during the school day, I am sure that your assistance would be welcome, and we could save that $5,600.
Posted by: Mrs. Couch 4th pd student Cannon Wilson on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I am a student currently attending GCHS as a junior. I am one of those students who "flocked" from another school to join the Musketeers. As a matter of fact, the new program shows that Greenup County Schools care for the health and safety of its students. Other schools in the area do not seem to be as concerned with their students well being. Maybe the example we are setting can raise the bar in the area and crack down on this tobacco stricken county. All the people who have no clue of what they are talking about should try and visit sometime, because by looking at your comments you really have no clue. So before you show your degree of education by bashing one of the greatest systems in the area, you should think about what you say and consider the health of your kids and my friends. Concerned student
Posted by: GCHS JUNIOR on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:17 PM
First of all, I am currently a student at Greenup County High School and don't appreciate some comments that have been posted. Students at GCHS work just as hard as students everywhere else. This is shown by where we rank in state testing results. Our latest results have us placing third in Northeastern Kentucky as well as second among the area schools. Our principals and school board officials have things under control as they are doing their best to make this school system the best it can possibly be. Our school board officials are taking steps toward improving students health by installing the heat sensors in our bathrooms. I would also like to address the comments made about the lack of books and technology. Every student that attends GCHS has access to books for every class along with access to the newest and latest technology available. Also GCHS is one of the very few schools in the state of Kentucky that use online blackboard technology to allow students to take classes online.
Posted by: GCHS Student on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:16 PM
Thomas, I agree with what you are saying but I also think smoking is a problem. Its not just a problem at GCHS but at all schools.
Posted by: Justin on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:09 PM
First, I do believe that this is a great idea that they have implemented. When I walk into the restrooms at this school, the smell of smoke overwhelms me. I do believe that this technology will help improve the problem that we have. Also, this will help our reputation. I will admit that we do have a tobacco problem, and people judge us by that. But people don't see how much better we are getting educationally. Our CATS test scores have improved greatly in the past few years. Our school was third in test scores last year among the other Northeastern Kentucky schools. By implementing this technology, it will cause students to stop smoking, drawing the public attention to our academics which are getting better each year. Before anyone criticizes our school, they need to first get their facts straight. The Greenup County School District is finally stepping up, when other schools in our area are not. I am very proud of the districts decision.
Posted by: GCHS Student on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I am a junior at GCHS and I think our school is doing the right thing about the smoking system. I hate going into the restroom and smelling like smoke. Then having people think that I smoke. In Cat testing, we scored third in the northeast Kentucky region. Our school is working to improve our education.
Posted by: Non-smoker on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:06 AM
As someone who is allergic to cigarette smoke, I am glad that GCHS is doing something about their problem. I wish other paces would start enforcing STATE LAWS regarding smoking (like no smoking within 25 ft. of building entrances). While it would be great for the school to spend that money on books or classroom technology, they are cutting down on both truancy (kids skipping class to smoke) and health and comfort issues. Classroom teaching might also become more effective now, since the teachers won't spend their planning periods policing the bathrooms. Sure, Greenup has its problems, but so does every school district. I'm just glad to see that they are taking steps to combat this illegal activity in their building. My only suggestion would be that since tobacco posession and use by minors is a violation of state law, shouldn't the offenders have to pay a fine or something for breaking the law? That money could go back to the school to help pay off the cost of the system.
Posted by: teacher on Nov 20, 2008 at 09:49 AM
I think this is a great addition. I wish all schools had this because it's not just a major problem at Greenup. We've really put a damper on it at my school, which the girls were worse than the boys. It's amazing how just the presence of an adult will keep kids from lighting up. Now if there was a better way to stop the drugs, that's the real problem.
Posted by: Luther on Nov 20, 2008 at 08:35 AM
I think there should be webcams installed, that way the staff could login and keep an eye on the bathrooms and make sure the students are doing drugs and/or hurting themselves. Parents should also be given access across the web, would make things a lot safer and better for the kids.
Posted by: Heather on Nov 20, 2008 at 08:22 AM
I am a GCHS Senior. For all of you who think that Greenup County Schools are stupid, you are wrong. I am in 3 college classes, plus I take AP classes, and other rigourous classes. I, along with of the school, take hard classes. Every school has the so called slackers, but not everyone here is. The problem is that the people who do not care, over power the ones that do. Second, the smoking problem is a major issue. I refuse to use the restroom at school, because I really don't like to smell like an ash tray afterwards. There are days when there is a haze outside of the restrooms. I think something else needs to be done. Obviously, posting teachers outside of bathrooms isn't working. I'm not sure if this is going to work either. I don't think that an administrator is going to be able to catch a smoker, once they were notified. The office is far enough away from the bathrooms that by the time an official got to the bathroom, the smoker would be gone. I wish everyone would stop criticizing
Posted by: Pablo on Nov 20, 2008 at 08:11 AM
I don't understand why the taxpayers have to pay for this system to stop underage smokers. Minors smoking is against the law. When you find one smoking, send him/her to jail for a few weeks and kick him/her out of school for good. All we are teaching our kids is not to be responsible for thier actions. When a few kids go to jail and thier parents have to pay for private tutors to see that they get the required (state law) schooling, then you will see some parents teaching their children to obey the laws and you'll see some kids starting to take responsibility for thier own lives. But don't ask the hard-working taxpayers to pay for this. I don't smoke, never had. So why should I pay to keep someone else's kid from smoking?
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Boyd County High School tried this same thing, but there were so many false alarms, that they turned it off. seems like a waste of money to me.
Posted by: thomas on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:49 AM
people dont need to worry about kids smoking and spend the money on getting the real drugs out of the schools
Posted by: Brittany on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:31 AM
Hey now, I go to Greenup. Yeah it sucks but if you don't understand how bad the smoking problem is don't rag on how there trying to fix it. I don't care if people are running off to other schools. Please save your breath. And another thing the test scores. Have you ever thought it was the people in the school and not the school itself. So yeah before you come bashing stuff why don't you open your eyes and take a look through other people's eyes. Thanks, Britt
Posted by: Wayne on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:47 AM
Randy Yohe,please ask why the district is among the worst in the state,why are children going to other districts...to get educated....GC school district has serious issues.....so Randy,do a Geraldo and get to the bottom of why a district is falling apart.....
Posted by: Christi on Nov 20, 2008 at 01:42 AM
People,check out their district test scores....they are at the bottom,not enough books for kids,they rate a "2" other schools close rate 6-8. What idiots they have running the district.Plus they have an armed cop on premises,that is moe dangerous,he could be over powered.Wake up Greenup,no wonder students are basically fleeing to other districts.How about 5600 on books,computers??
Posted by: Crystal on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:25 AM
I graduated from GCHS in 2002. At the time I was a smoker. Since then I have quit smoking.. I will tell you one thing I never smoked in the bathrooms or anywhere on school property while I was a student. I had several friends that did smoke in the bathrooms though. Also,if schools allowed students to smoke with parents permission this would be breaking the law allowing underage tobacco use. You have to be 18 to purchase tobacco. Therefore no student should be using any tobacco while at school. Yes I know there are some 18 year olds that attend high school, but still they should not be allowed to do this on property.. This turns in to contributing to minors. If the parents are allowing underage children to smoke they should be responsible for it on their property, but now at school.. Sorry if I offend anyone. But I agree all schools should crack down on tobacco use by students at school. I'm glad GCHS is doing something about this problem!!!
Posted by: Jason on Nov 20, 2008 at 12:13 AM
Maybe they should spend more time worrying about things that actually deal with education. Smokin' in the boys room is not one of them. Get a clue school boards.
Posted by: All For It on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:47 PM
I think it is a great idea. There are too many kids smoking nowadays and someone needs to try and stop it if the parents wont. I like seeing my tax dollars going to something like this. Also I remember smoking at GCHS when I went and that was 16 years ago, too bad they didnt have this then, maybe I wouldnt be smoking now.
Posted by: GCHS student on Nov 19, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Excuse me "stupid GCHS". I also went to Greenup and I was one of their top students. I think this system is a great idea as I was also affected by the smoke. Apparently, you were one of the skanks who like to smoke. And on the subject of taxes, judging by your comment, I would conclude that you don't contribute much to our taxes.
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:32 PM
teachers or principals should'nt be allowed to smoke or do drugs at school the kids only do what they see the sraff doing i say put the one that smoke outside cleaning up the school grounds then the school most of the kids only do this to get caught so they will be sent home
Posted by: stupid gchs on Nov 19, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Now,how stupid is this!Something more for tax payers too pay for.And besides they will find other places too smoke.When I went to gchs you could smoke with parents permission,the school let you smoke in certain ares.This school truly has went to the dogs,they took the gravel pit out gchs was known for that.I feel like these principals at gchs should worry more about their teaching staff teaching rather than trying to catch someone in the act "smoking".This school system s----!
Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 19, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Well, while this is a great idea, and the heat sensors are in my school too, it really rests in the hands of the principal to catch the smoker. Half the time, by the time the principal gets there, the smoker is long gone. I hate having to go into a bathroom and smell cigarettes. I seriously hope this works better for Greenup County High School.
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  • Posted By: Chris to WSAZ: To all the workers and employees of WSAZ: Thank you for being there and allowing comments about the news.Our family watch only WSAZ news and enjoy each of you. I know that the recognition that you receive is little to none,but you deserve better.This goes out to the producers,cameramen,to everyone behind the scenes and the ones that are seen too. Thank you for having the best news program available to the public. God Bless Each and Everyone of You. Chris
  • Posted By: redbaron: in response to pablo on comment dated 01/06 - EXCUSE ME!! I do believe FIREFIGHTERS also risk their lives for total strangers and no they are NOT law enforcement!
  • Posted By: omg: I am so sick and tired of hearing how public school teachers are indebted to the public for their salary. Many of you are so freakin nosey that if your neighbor stopped too fast, you'd have to get a crane to remove your head from their rear. I am so tired of this drug test line. Teachers deserve to pee in peace and so do you. Why should teachers be forced to have their personal lives paraded all over the news? That is exactly what would happen. If a typical joe blow got fired from the coal mines for drugs, it wouldn't make front page news. A teacher being fired for drugs would. You people expect teachers to be the mother, father, grandparent, clergyman, counselor, as well as the teacher. You don't do anything with your kids but expect the teacher to fix all the problem you create. Some of them probably need drugs by the time they are done raising your spoiled kids who think the world owes them something on a silver platter. Take your own drug test before you get pregnant.
  • Posted By: Sophie: Re: The student (Hinzman?) being expelled for using foul language after being bullied & beaten on school grounds; you should not have been expelled for expressing your hurt, anger & disgust. You were a victim and did nothing. It is unreasonable to punish the victim - so what if he cussed - I'd cuss too if someone beat the beegeebers out of me. The kid who beat you should receive jail time & counciling; the kid who filmed you & released it on U-Tube should too. It has often been said that television is desensitizing our children so badly they have no empathy for others. This is a prime example. I hope the school board will have enough common sense to clear this victims school record of the incident as he should not have been expelled, and get him counciling also as such a trauma will surly have an effect on a young life.
  • Posted By: Boyd: Any one who is employed and gets paid by the general public, us, should have no problem taking urine tests. After all they are in the pubic debt for paying them for their work. Its simple NO TEST, NO JOB. This is not an attempt to violate rights, it is an attempt to enforce the publics right for federal, state and municipal employees who can be TRUSTED.
  • Posted By: George: As a parent I have no problem being drug tested. I'll stand in line right behind Katy.
  • Posted By: goodorbad: I look at it like this-if you dont have anything to hide, shut up and do the test!
  • Posted By: Rick: I think all teachers should be drug tested, I drive a transit bus for our county and I want the public to know I am drug free and teachers should want everyone to know the same, that their children are not in the care of people on drugs,if you have nothing to hide why object to random testing I know I don't
  • Posted By: Tea: I can't even imagine that our teachers have not been drug tested up until this time. Anyone who refuses should be fired. These are our children!!! People take drug test when they don't even work with people, let alone children. These are government jobs and we should have a say in what they have to do.
  • Posted By: Ari: Cheers to Rob-I feel ya!
  • Posted By: joe: I have worked for companies all over this nation and have had to take drug tests. Why should teachers be exempt from this practice? It is now common to be randomly tested(and I have been) so what makes a teacher any different than a steel worker. I can say proudly that I passed but I have seen those who didn't. They chose to use drugs and lost their jobs I didn't.
  • Posted By: Katy: As a teacher, I have no problem being randomly drug tested...as long as you agree to drug test the parents who enter the doors of my school as well. Most teachers deal with students who are exposed to/use more drugs and alcohol than any of the teachers. If these students or parents who are using drugs (and are not drug tested) enter our schools, the safety of the teachers and students are at risk. Since children spend more time with them, let's randomly drug test PARENTS, too!!!
  • Posted By: stephen: Why the heavy emphasis ont he damage to property and life Israel is doing . Where was the media uproar for years that Hamas was rocketing Israel irespective of innocent israelis.. Hamas is actualykilling their own citizens by firing rockets from UN schools and residents. Why does UN allow Hamas to use facilities for attacking Israel, then complain when Israel responds to protect their territory and citizens. Israel targets military targets, respons to from whence rockets or gun fire comes. What would we fire at if Huntington was attacked?Why does the media not put bla,e where balame belongs, and give moral support to the aggreived.What would America do if attacked? to whom would we listen? Russia, Saudi Arabia,Iran?.Media get REAL! Who has given Hamas and the Palestinians millions with which they could buy weapons---American taxpayers money!
  • Posted By: Robert: Although I feel for the employees that lost their positions at Cabell Huntington Hospital, at least more nurses were hired. I recently had a relative in the cardiac unit at Kings Daughters, in Ashland, and I was told that the nursing staff had been cut back and that no overtime was being given. This seems to be a drastic cut in patient care for a facility that spends thousands advertising that they are in the top 5% of cardiac hospitals in the country. I would be willing to wager that the Cleveland Clinic has not cut hours of those giving patient care.
  • Posted By: Boyd: If the state's budget is doing so well, why don't we use some of this money to help towns and cities in the state who are in trouble with their budget, or will this just become another pay raise for politicians?
  • Posted By: Rob: Why does everyone have to be so into using the term "racist" and have that kind of attitude. I know what my heritage is and who my ancestors were but you want to know what I consider myself? I AM AN AMERICAN! I was born and raised in this country and that's how I feel it should be. Born here, raised here.....then by God you are an American. Not an African American, not an Asian American etc. etc. You are an AMERICAN!
  • Posted By: Chris: To Ex-Officer: I agree with you 100% about the pay of police dept and the drug testing. I was formerly involved with the BCPD and had multiple ride alongs with the BCSO. I am probably one of their biggest critics due to having watch some of the bad side of the department for a long time. I wish that I could tell everything that I have seen officers do,which would put most of them behind bars or they'll lose their sheild, But retalliation is bad in our area. To the cops that do their job and do it with the best intentions, I proud of you and don't mean any disrespect. To the ones who I personally watch being more currupt then the "badguys" here,your day will be coming.
  • Posted By: Pablo: Teachers aren't the only ones underpaid. Law enforcement officers are underpaid also. And I'd like to speak about them. For example, I'm sure any parent would sacrifice their live for thier children. And several may give thier live to save their spouse. A few individuals may even do it for a close friend. But, I only know of 3 types of beings who will sacrifice thier lives for complete strangers; indeed even for people who hate them. The first would be our men and women in our armed forces. The second would be our law enforcement officers. And of course, third would be our Savior, Jesus Christ. Others are killed in the line of their employment, but not in order to save a complete stranger. Everytime a cop puts on his/her uniform, they can be a target for anyone upset about something. Even though it doesn't involve the cop personally, that very cop will give his life to save yours when a problem arises. We need to give our cops not only a wage, but a living wage and a great big THANKS.
  • Posted By: Craig: If what I am hearing is correct that Kanawha County teachers accepted a pay raise in return for submitting to drug testing, and then sued successfully so they do not have to be subject to testing, then why shouldn't we the taxpayers demand they return the raise?
  • Posted By: teresa: racist lmao i am one cherokee,german,irish,german,and who knows what else TIRED of hearing of racist comments u are either GOOD OR BAD k no skin color needed just evil or NOT
  • Posted By: Ex-Officer: I agree with Robert 100% I worked in law enforcement and loved the job but try to rise a family on less than 10.00 an hour (out of that pay for your own duty gear and gun). I believe that all public safety workers should be drug tested but i also believe that they should be paid for the job that they do. Not many people understand what a public safty worker goes through. Would you put your life on the line for this kind of pay? Remember the saying that you get what you pay for. I see this in several new officers in my area. Don't get me wrong there are still very good officers in law enforcement. Something really needs to be done about the low pay for these jobs.
  • Posted By: Garland: What's the difference between teachers and other workers(coal mineers, bus drivers, state employees,etc.)? Teachers aren't any better are they?
  • Posted By: : This is not a comment, but I would like comments on it please. What do you think of Poca High School? Racist or not?
  • Posted By: Robert: We the people, through our own self centeredness and apathy, have allowed our teachers and police officials to be some of the most underpaid people in the United States. We are trusting our childrens education and our public safety to the very people that are some of the most underpaid profesions in the U.S.. If I could change this, I would. However, I do believe that these people should be randomly drug tested. I work in the construction industry and I have no problem being drug tested. I have nothing to hide. I also believe that any person who is intrusted with the safety of others should have nothing to hide. This includes plitical officials up to and including the president.
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