TRANSITION AT HUFFMAN ISD

"Drug testing and transitions are the code words this year...plus
construction and TAKS testing," said Myers.

"Drug testing and transitions are the code words this year," said
Steve Myers, superintendent of Huffman I.S.D. "Plus construction and
TAKS testing," he said.

Construction on the new high school building is on schedule and should
be completed in July 2005. H.I.S.D. with its 2,933 students (as of
08/20/04) isn't waiting for completion of the project to begin the
transition. This year, every school in the district has gone through
changes that were brought about because of the new high school.

Pre-K through second grade are the only levels now taught at Ben Bowen
Elementary where the worst overcrowding occurred in previous years.
The third graders were moved to Copeland Intermediate and to make room
for them, the sixth graders were moved to the middle school.

"The projected 2004 enrollment at Ben Bowen with grades Pre-K - 3rd
was 992. The school's capacity is only 800 so we had to make changes.
By moving the third and sixth grades, we believe there will be fewer
changes in the 2005-2006 school year.

With the middle school handling grades 6 - 8, we have a true middle
school. It gives the students and teachers an opportunity to get ready
for the structural configuration of high school.

The only real inconvenience because of the construction has been
parking. The original parking area was demolished because it was right
where the new high school needed to be built. The new parking lot is
now located at the north end of the property, about 150 yards from the
existing school. There is a sidewalk for the students to use and we
have a plan that allows us to shuttle students in case of rain," said
Myers.

Even when the new building with its 1400 student capacity is completed
and students are moved, they won't be leaving the old school
completely behind. The recent renovations to Hargrave's present
building included a new composition gym, expanded cafeteria and
library and the closeness of the two buildings will allow both schools
to use these facilities. This has saved on the new building's
construction costs. These renovations aren't the only new things for
students this year.

"Random drug testing will begin around September 8," said
Myers.

Testing will be for grades 7 through 12 and is scheduled to occur
twice a month for nine months. Students, who participate in
extracurricular activities, drive a vehicle on campus or who choose to
participate voluntarily will be subject to the testing. The teaching
staff is exempt from testing but bus drivers aren't. The testing will
be done by Pinnacle Medical Management Corporation and evaluated by a
medical review officer.

A urine sample will be required from those being tested. If the
results are positive in any way, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
testing methodology will confirm the test. Amphetamines, barbiturates,
benzodiazepines (Valium, Librium), marijuana, cocaine, methadone,
hallucinogens such as LSD, opiates, PCP, angel dust, propoxyphene
(Darvon), steroids, methadone and ethanol (alcohol) can all be tested
with a single urine sample. All expenses for testing are handled by
they school district.

"We aren't stopping with just the testing though. We will continue
having unannounced checks of the vehicles and lockers by the drug
dogs. There is also the D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education)
program and the Red Ribbon Week drug awareness initiatives," said Myers.

The transitions taking place within H.I.S.D. are proactive in nature.
By building the new high school and making room in the elementary,
intermediate and middle schools, the district is anticipating the
future needs of the community. The drug testing is also proactive. By
responding to the growing concerns of students, faculty and parents,
the district is actively working towards the prevention of drug and
alcohol abuse as well as the protection of its students.