DRUG TESTING SET TO START THIS FALL AT DIAMOND HIGH

Students Who Participate In Activities To Be Checked

DIAMOND, Mo. - High-school students will be subjected to random drug
testing beginning this fall whether they play the tuba or throw a football.

The Diamond R-4 Board of Education approved a policy last week that
will require students participating in extracurricular activities to
undergo testing throughout the year.

Extracurricular activities are roughly defined as "any activity that
is an extension of the school day."

The board last fall authorized Jim Cummins, high-school principal, to
begin organizing a committee to determine whether the district needed
a drug-testing policy. Cummins said the issue was raised by some
residents, parents and teachers who said the district was not
providing enough of a deterrent against drug use.

"If a student goes out on Tuesday night and goes to a party, and he is
passionate about what he does, he should think, 'I better not
partake,'" Cummins said of the policy.

The district will test about 15 students every two weeks.

"We're not out to catch them, but serve as a deterrent," Cummins
said.

Cummins said drugs are not any more prevalent at Diamond High School
than at any other school in Southwest Missouri. But, abuse is
widespread in society, and "that trickles down to the schools," he said.

Cummins said he did not have statistics for drug violations at Diamond
High School.

While the school district still must advertise for bids for a company
to handle the drug tests, the policy specifies that the company chosen
will identify the names of the students who will undergo testing. The
school will start at the top of the list, and each student selected
must submit a urine sample.

Negative results will be known almost immediately. A positive result
doesn't necessary identify drug use, because medications or other
substances may give a false result. In that case, students will be
given an opportunity to challenge the results, which will remain
confidential.

Cummins said the policy does not conflict with existing penalties for
attending school or school activities while under the influence of or
in possession of drugs.

Two student groups, the Diamond Cookers and the Fellowship of
Christian Athletes, already are submitting to drug testing. Those
students do so voluntarily.

Jerry Skinner, high-school counselor, leads the cooking group.
Students who participate must undergo drug testing to be eligible for
cooking contests. Skinner, who formerly was an addiction counselor for
adolescents, said he often is asked how cooking a brisket is keeping
students off drugs. He said the cooking program rewards students who
stay drug-free with scholarships.

"Our program is celebratory," Skinner said. "We celebrate a drug-free
lifestyle. They don't just say it (they don't use drugs). They prove it."