Student drug testing offered for Struthers students

The Struthers school system is offering parents and guardians the option of requesting drug testing for their children.

In what the school district calls a proactive step towards promoting student health and wellness, Superintendent Joseph Nohra says that any student in grades 7-12 may participate in a random drug testing program.

Nohra says that results of the test are confidential between the school diversion coordinator and parents and guardians.

The district currently has a mandatory drug testing policy in place for all athletics that runs the entire school year.

In addition, beginning in the Fall, kindergarten through fourth grade students will participate in a "Stickers Healthy Promise" Program through Prevention Partners.

Students in grades 5 through 6 will participate in the Wildcat "Pride Pledge for Health" Program.

The school says that the initiatives are designed to encourage positive life choices and instilling health and wellness values at a young age.

Also being added to the curriculum this Spring will be lessons about the medical effects of drug and alcohol addiction through a program called "BRAINWORKS".

Taught in all science classes, the curriculum is aligned with the new state standards and allows for students at all levels to understand how a healthy lifestyle benefits them in the long run.

For additional information about the new programs, please contact Yvonne Wilson, Diversion Coordinator Struthers High School, at 330-750-1062.