Pubdate: Wed, 19 May 2004
Source: Decatur Daily (AL)
Copyright: 2004 The Decatur Daily
Contact:  http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/index.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/696
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

NICE TO KNOW OUTCOME OF STUDENT DRUG TESTS

Most people experience a little concern when they head to the doctor for an 
annual check-up. Walking out with a good report is much better than not 
knowing if something might be wrong.

Parents of students attending Morgan County schools might have that feeling 
this week after the system reported that all students tested for illegal 
drugs passed.

The school system randomly tested 283 students in the program's first year, 
153 females and 130 males.

Decatur and Hartselle school systems are now completing their second year 
of random testing and include nicotine screening. In their first year, each 
found a few incidences of nicotine, and a few students tested positive for 
marijuana.

Still, considering the number of students tested countywide, the results 
are encouraging. If nothing else, they tell parents that most students 
haven't succumbed to habits that could threaten their lives and affect 
their futures.

The tests, because they are random, also serve as a deterrent to some 
students from experimenting with illegal drugs.

While not all students are tested, the results strongly suggest that drugs 
are not rampant in any of the schools, which is the best check-up for 
squelching rumors that inevitably pop up.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager