The District recognizes its share of the responsibility for the health, welfare, and safety of the students who attend the district’s schools. Alcohol and drug dependency is an illness and a hazard that can interfere with a student’s ability to learn and function reasonably in the school setting and community. Anything that can interfere with the development of an adolescent, therefore, must be evaluated as to its impact to both the young person and the community. Psychoactive and mood altering drugs can destroy the health and well being of an individual. The school community defines drug use as a serious health problem and is committed to discouraging this behavior and to encouraging young people to seek help should a problem arise.
As educators, the school staff recognizes that chemical abuse (drugs and alcohol) has become a serious problem throughout the country. They accept their obligation to establish a positive environment in which these problems can be addressed locally in a helpful and supportive rather than a punitive way. One of the goals is to prevent abuse. Accomplishing this goal will entail training teachers, counselors and other staff members to educate the community about drug abuse. Other goals are to teach staff to identify chemical abuse problems and to know what resources are available to address these problems if they are observed. The administration recognizes that the problems of chemical abuse exceed the boundaries of the school. Therefore, the administration is prepared to cooperate with agencies and community groups that address these problems.
The following document outlines policy on student abuse of psychoactive or mood altering chemicals in the school district. This policy is in effect on property owned, leased or maintained by the school district, at all school sanctioned activities on and off campus, on vehicles used to transport students to and from school or at other activities and in vehicles parked on school property.
Student and parent members of the school community are expected to be aware of and understand these policies and comply with them. A copy of the policy will be provided to all students and parents.
A student shall not possess, use, transfer, conceal, sell, attempt to sell, deliver nor be under the influence of narcotics, drugs, or alcohol, materials/substances represented to be a drug or controlled substance, or chemical substances which affect psychological functions or affect the educational system of the school. Students shall not engage in drug use/abuse nor possess paraphernalia specific to the use of chemicals.
Students who use prescription drugs authorized by a licensed physician do not violate this policy if the students conform to the prescription and appropriate school policies.
Smoking and Chewing
The use and/or possession of tobacco or tobacco products, including chewing, e-cigarettes/vapor pens/vapor hookahs (containing nicotine or no nicotine) are prohibited. The policy applies on the way to and from school, on the bus, during lunch, at school activities, and during the school day. Violation of the above shall be considered disruptive behavior and may result in in-school suspension.
VIOLATIONS
The following procedures will be used in dealing with possession, use, transmission or being under the influence of illicit drugs and alcohol.
A. First Offense
1. The administration will try to notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) by phone to explain the incident and arrange a conference.
2. The administration may suspend the student for up to five (5) days in
compliance with student due process procedures.
3. Within thirty-six (36) hours, the director will notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) in writing of the suspension.
4. Notify available law enforcement authorities.
5. The administration may refer on for prosecution.
The school district strongly recommends that students with chemical abuse problems seek professional evaluation and treatment from a trained chemical dependency counselor or a licensed physician trained in chemical dependency. Because chemical dependency is preceded by misuse, early intervention can benefit the student before significant harm or dependency results.
The suspension of a student who agrees to be evaluated and treated will be commuted to three (3) days. The administration will provide a list of agencies/professionals that can do the assessment and provide treatment. Fees for this assessment and treatment are the responsibility of the student and family.
Upon receipt of appropriate authorization, the agency or professional will notify the school administration that the student is willing to be evaluated and to comply with the treatment process.
B. Second and subsequent offenses
1. The administration will contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) to arrange a conference.
2. Notify available law enforcement authorities.
3. The administration will suspend for five (5) days in compliance with student due process procedures.
4. Within thirty-six (36) hours, the administration will notify the
parent(s)/guardian(s) in writing of the suspension.
5. The administration will recommend to the School Board that the student be expelled unless the following procedure is followed:
a. The student must agree to be evaluated and treated by a trained chemical dependency counselor or a licensed physician trained in chemical dependency.
b. Upon appropriate authorization, the agency or professional notifies the administration that the student has accepted treatment. If the student is accepting treatment, the recommendation for expulsion may be commuted. Fees for this assessment and treatment are the responsibility of the student and family.
C. Supply/distributing or selling chemical (drugs/alcohol) or material represented to be a controlled substance.
1. Within thirty-six (36) hours, the administration will notify parent(s)/guardian(s) in writing of the suspension.
2. Supplying or selling chemicals will result in a five (5) day suspension.
3. The administration will refer the case to available law enforcement authorities.
4. A hearing on the case will be conducted by the School Board pursuant to due process rules for expulsion. Expulsion may be recommended by the Superintendent.
D. Pupils who visibly appear to be impaired from use of the illicit drugs/alcohol
will be referred to the school nurse if available, and the building administrator will be notified. The school nurse or building administrator will determine whether to contact the parent for further instruction, refer to the emergency authorization form or immediately seek additional medical treatment. Following the handling of the medical emergency, this Policy Statement for Chemical Abuse will be followed.
E. A biennial review of the School Districts program will be made:
1. To determine the program’s effectiveness and implement changes to the programs if they are needed; and
2. To insure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced