Smith also considers the program at Wenonah to be a success.
Starting last year, students at Wenonah have attended lectures about the HIV and AIDS, and disease information has been presented in science and health classes. Teachers also polled students to see if they knew anyone with HIV or AIDS, either living or dead. Approximately 25 percent did.
``So they know what we're dealing with here,'' Smith said. ``They were very receptive to the education and information, and took it seriously.''
In the previous week, students took home a parental consent form for the testing, although Alabama allows any child 12 and over to be tested without a parent's permission.
``But we included the parents, which helps with the success of this program. They've been involved since the beginning,'' Morris said.
Test results should be back within a week. Counseling will be immediately available for anyone who tests positive for the disease.
— Associated Press
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