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OFFICIALS PLEASED BY RESULTS OF DANCE DRUG TEST

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS -- The North Schuylkill student drug testing policy was implemented Saturday as 22 of the 400 students in grades 7 through 12 attending the winter formal dance were tested based on randomly selected ticket numbers.

"All tests were negative," Principal Sharon Snyder said Monday.

As the students entered the building, their ticket numbers were called and those on the preselected random list were taken to another area in the school for testing.  A swab of the cheek taken by staff of Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs took only a few moments and the students were then able to rejoin their friends on the dance floor.  Snyder said the tests were divided equally between high school and junior high students.

"The kids were very cooperative and so were the parents," Snyder said.  "We knew the results almost immediately and were very encouraged with the results."

Snyder said there were concerns with student drug use at the formals and prom in the past.

"My feeling is always that I hope our students here make good decisions and I hope that this helps them in making good decisions," Snyder said.

Snyder said the random drug testing did not keep the students away from the formal.

"Mrs.  ( Lynn ) Minalda ( SADD advisor ) said this was one of the best-attended formals in the last few years," she said.

The school board passed the random drug testing policy for district students during its August meeting.

The Spartan Task Force formed during the 2006-07 school year at the North Schuylkill Junior/Senior High School to develop a proactive response to drug- and alcohol-related issues.

During a special meeting held in October, the board voted to revise the language in the school handbook regarding the testing as it applies to holiday formals and the prom.  Until that point, the policy required parents to attend an informational session on drugs and alcohol before purchasing tickets for such events.  The change in the policy now allows random testing at the events.

"In light of the commitment of the board to do random drug testing, this would allow for random testing for those who attend rather than requiring parents to attend a presentation.  The parent session would now be voluntary," Acting Assistant Superintendent/Solicitor Mark Semanchik said at the October meeting.  "The board action is such based on cooperation and parents' support."

Bonnie Yanuskiewicz, Spartan Task Force facilitator was appreciative of the board's decision.