Pubdate: Sun, 14 Jan 2007
Source: Times-Reporter (New Philadelphia, OH)
Copyright: 2007 The Copley Press Inc.
Contact:  http://www.timesreporter.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1188
Author: Penny Regula, staff writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)

NC'TOWN DRUG TESTING TO GET UNDER WAY

NEWCOMERSTOWN -- Two meetings will take place next week  to inform
Newcomerstown High athletes and student  drivers with parking permits
about the district's new  drug testing policy and a new conditioning
program  being instituted for all athletes.

Winter sport athletes are required to attend one of the  two meetings,
set for Wednesday at 6 and Thursday at  4:30, Board of Education
members heard at their meeting  Thursday. School officials also
encouraged other  student athletes to attend.

The random drug testing program is to begin this  semester. Students
and parents of students  participating in winter sports and/or holding
parking  permits will be required to sign "informed consent"  agreements.

According to Athletic Director Matt Ritzert, up to 15  percent of
eligible students will be selected at random  for a urinalysis test
that will screen for a wide  variety of drugs including alcohol,
marijuana,  nicotine, opiates, barbiturates, amphetamines, LSD, 
anabolic steroids, cocaine and more.

Students who test positive will be required to  participate in an
intervention program and will face  suspension from parking privileges
and/or participation  in athletics.

Ritzert explained that the tests are random and  unannounced. They
will begin after the meetings but  "before the month is out."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin