Pubdate: Sun, 18 May 2014 Source: Logan Banner, The (WV) Copyright: 2014 The Logan Banner Contact: http://www.loganbanner.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1640 Author: Martha Sparks Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States) MINGO CO. MIDDLE SCHOOL DRUG TESTING ORIENTATION SESSIONS SET Mingo County Schools Department of Student Services will be expanding the Random Drug Testing Program to the six middle schools beginning with the 2014-2015 school term. The Office of Student Services and Attendance has scheduled parent orientation sessions at each middle school to discuss the Mingo County Schools Student Drug Testing Policy 5530.01. The policy will cover students in grades sixth through eight participating in athletics, extra-curricular activities and opt-in participants. The Random Drug Testing Policy has been in effect during the 2013-2014 school term for the two high schools, Mingo Central Comprehensive and Tug Valley. At this time, no positive results have come from the testing. "It is reassuring to know that random drug testing serves as a deterrent to drug use," Drema Dempsey, Director of Student Services for Mingo County Schools, said. "The school system believes that the added testing of our middle and high school students will help to further prevent substance abuse." The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that most people use drugs for the first time when they are teenagers. Dempsey reported that Mingo County Schools will continue to advocate programs in our schools that discourage drug use. For more information, call Ms. Dempsey at 304-235-7122. Parents, guardians and members of the public are invited to attend the student drug testing orientation sessions at these locations: * Burch Middle School, Monday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m. * Matewan Pre-K 8 School, Tuesday, May 20, at 5:30 p.m. * Lenore Pre-K 8 School, Wednesday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m. * Kermit K- 8 School, Thursday, May 22, at 5:30 p.m. * Williamson Pre-K 8 School, Tuesday, May 27, at 5:30 p.m. * Gilbert Middle School , Thursday, May 29, at 5:30 p.m. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom