YHS says no to drugs

Mike Hackworth

(Updated: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 12:00 AM)

Six months after Yosemite High School began a drug-testing program for students participating in interscholastic activities, the results are in.

To date there have been 116 students tested with only one positive result, which was attributed to prescribed medication. The program tests for amphetamines, methamphetamines, cocaine, marijuana, opiates, phencyclidine, and with a separate test, alcohol.

"Students were a little apprehensive just because of the unknown but they've adapted and have done a fabulous job with the entire process," said Tammy Thacker, Yosemite High School athletic director. "Also, the enthusiasm and assistance of school personnel helped in its success."

To date, the school has spent $3,985 for the testing.

"Discipline trends were showing an increase in drug and alcohol use on campus, which in turn would lead to other issues," Thacker said. "The athletic department felt a need to help the coaches, athletes and parents find an 'out' for the students."

"As a parent I don't have an issue with drug testing," said parent Lynette Souders, who has a daughter attending Yosemite High School. "It's a good deterrent. If a test came up positive, it would make me aware of a problem I may not otherwise be aware of."

"It's a terrific program," said Aaron Eames, Yosemite head football coach. "It is great to look into the clear eyes of my athletes and know that they are clean of drugs."

The students to be tested are determined by a weekly lottery and the procedure is straightforward.

"Testing is performed once a week." Thacker said. "I schedule it on different days so that students never know exactly on what day specimens will be collected."

Students were made aware of the program initially through their coaches. As the school year began, information was provided at back-to-school night and through mailers sent to homes of students. All athletic teams were given specific information by either their coaches or the athletic director.

Groups that are tested are all of the athletic teams, along with competitive teams such as FFA, Cheer, Mock Trial, Academic Decathlon, Destination Imagination and the Cadet Corps.

"We have been trying to test at least once a week," Thacker said. "But if there are a lot of activities pulling kids off of campus, sometimes we can't test."

"Students are randomly called to the admininistration office, where we have a person from Drug Tech Toxicology Service LLC from Ahwahnee come in," Thacker said. "We close off a bathroom then she calls them in for testing."

Students are immediately given results and then sent back to class. If there is a "non-negative," the sample is sent to a second lab to confirm.

"I am in charge of overseeing that all forms are collected, all names are filled, and students are called in and the follow through with results. There is not another school in our league doing this," Thacker said.

Tests are $35 per student; alcohol testing is an additional $20. It will cost roughly $10,000 for the school and is solely financed by fundraising.

The sole purpose of the program is to help students. There is no discipline as a result of testing positive.

"We get parents and the student facilitator involved to help get the student back on the right path," Thacker said. "We want there to be a positive outcome to a bad situation."