HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Cabell County Schools’ random drug testing program for students who participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities or drive to school is being expanded to include county middle schools.

The program was established at the beginning of the current school year in the county’s high schools.

According to a news release, all of county’s middle schools will be providing orientation for these students. The dates tentatively scheduled as follows:

• Huntington Middle School (June 3rd)
• Milton Middle School (May 26th)
• Barboursville Middle School (May 19th)
• Enslow Middle School (May 13th)
• Beverly Hills Middle School (May 7th)

Attendance at the orientation is mandatory for any student in grades 6-8 who will compete on one of the schools’ athletic teams at any point during the 2009–10 school year.

Current 5th grade students who wish to participate in the activities outlined should attend as well.

Students will be provided with a copy of the county’s drug testing policy and a consent form to participate in the drug testing program. The consent forms will not be accepted by the schools until the beginning of the school year in August, 2009.

The orientation session will be repeated in August at Cabell Midland High School and Huntington High School for any student who misses an orientation session at his/her home middle school.

The sessions in August will also be open to all parents and guardians who want to learn more about the program before giving consent for their student to participate.