Pubdate: Sun, 06 Aug 2006 Source: Decatur Daily (AL) Copyright: 2006 The Decatur Daily Contact: http://www.decaturdaily.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/696 Author: Deangelo McDaniel Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) HARTSELLE ADDS EXTENDED DAY AND DRUG-TESTING PROGRAMS HARTSELLE -- Superintendent William Michael Reed chuckled when asked about the upcoming school term. Oh yes, he is excited, in part, because of some of the new programs Hartselle is offering students when they return Thursday. Reed pointed to the addition of an assistant band director and the extended day program. Hartselle also is adding a voluntary drug-testing program for sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders. The new director will allow Hartselle to teach band to elementary students, something the system has never done. "We're excited about that," the superintendent said. But the extended-day program may have the most significant impact. The program will let elementary students receive help with homework or expand their interest in fine arts. Elementary principals Susan Hayes, Robin Varwig and Sherry Calvert organized the program and announced it to the board in June. When the schools surveyed parents, the principals said 120 Crestline parents responded positively, while Barkley Bridge got 90 responses and F.E. Burleson 85. Calvert, who worked with an extended day program in Cullman County before coming to Hartselle, said she expects interest to increase when school starts. Reed said the program is self-supporting. He said certified teachers who volunteer will teach the classes and receive pay beyond their regular salaries with fees students pay to participate in the program. "This is going to be a great service to the students and community, but we're not going to be a day-care," the superintendent said. The voluntary drug-testing program is for junior high students. Drug Testing Coordinator Franklin Penn said Hartselle received a U.S. Department of Education grant to pay for the program called Project Independent Decision. The parent and student must sign a consent form to participate in the program. But, unlike Hartselle's regular drug-testing program, the school system will not discipline students who test positive. Penn said the system will notify the parent of a positive test but it will be up to the parent about what, if any, disciplinary action to take. Students who test drug-free will receive a picture identification card that allows them to get discounts in some area businesses and restaurants. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman