SACS Drug Testing Discourages Students From Using
Fort Wayne — Officials in one Allen County school district say random testing is helping to cut down on students using drugs. Every week during the school year 55 students from Southwest Allen County middle and high schools are randomly called on, not to answer a question, but to take a drug test. The district begins the random drug testing program in sixth grade to deter children from starting a habit when they get older.
"We do it to get them use to saying no to drugs. Studies show middle schools is where they are first exposed to drugs," said SACS Social Worker Anita Gross.
At a school board meeting Gross told school board members that, so far, the program is working.
"We're seeing a low percentage of students test positive, which is what we want," she explained.
The program's been in place for two years. In the first year, almost two percent of students tested positive. Last year there was a drop with less then one percent testing positive.
"It's not the middle schoolers or freshman testing positive. It's the upper classmen, which is consistent with them being exposed to more drugs," said Gross.
Gross believes it's more than a threat of a random test that keeps students from using. The school's drug sniffing dog, Hunter, also encourages kids to stay clean.
Only students in extra-curricular activities or who drive to school are randomly tested for drugs.
If any student is found positive, they have a choice between taking a drug education program, being suspended from their after school activity or having their parking privileges revoked. | 
