Lacey Township parents will discuss the expansion of the school district's random drug testing program to middle schoolers at a meeting on Thursday.

According to the Asbury Park Press, parents would have to enroll their children in the program for them to be tested. If a positive result come from a test, the child would receive counseling. Any resulting punishment has not been determined, according to the newspaper.

The intent of the program, which superintendent Sanra Anthony told the newspaper would be the first for a middle school in New Jersey, is to start a discussion between parents and students.

“It gives kids an opportunity to say no and it sort of breaks the sound barrier for parents to talk to their kids about the use of drugs and alcohol," Anthony told the newspaper. "It’s really not a panacea... It's just another tool in the tool chest."

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room of Lacey Township Middle School. To attend, RSVP to tmccarron@laceyschools.org or call 609-971-2000, ext. 1002.

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