DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE BY STUDENTS--PROCEDURES

Policy Statement

Drug and alcohol use and abuse are community-wide issues. Within the context of the educational community the Edgecomb Eddy School will promote responsible attitudes and behaviors regarding the use of drugs and alcohol.

Use of any mood-altering chemicals, including alcohol and nicotine, which interfere with health, relationships and/or school performance is prohibited on school property or at school sponsored events.

Involuntary/Disciplinary Referrals of Students

A. Possession and/or Use

1. First Offense

a. Student is referred to building administrator for verification/confiscation (include witness if possible).

b. The building administrator will:

1) Notify parent/guardian immediately and in writing;

2) Notify superintendent immediately and in writing;

3) Notify local law enforcement officials immediately and in writing; and

4) Notify probation officer and/or OHS, if appropriate; and

5) Notify Middle School is student attends there.

c. If offense was committed by an Edgecomb Eddy student, administrator meets with student, parents/guardian and guidance counselor to develop an action plan.

d. Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken if action plan is not followed, including suspension from school and school-sponsored functions for up to ten (10) school days.

2. Second or Subsequent Offense

a. Follow 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d

B. Furnishing and/or Selling

1. First Offense

a. Student is referred to building administrator for verification/confiscation (include witness if possible).

b. The building administrator will:

1) Notify parent/guardian immediately and in writing;

2) Notify superintendent immediately and in writing;

3) Notify local law enforcement officials immediately and in writing; and

4) Notify probation officer and/or DHS, if appropriate.

c. Student is suspended from school and school-sponsored functions for up to ten (10) school days.

d. Counselor and administrator meet with student and parent/guardian for action plan implementation.

e. Superintendent may refer to School Committee for long-term suspension.

2. Second or Subsequent Offense

a. Follow 1a-1e.

b. Students suspended may be allowed reentry to school contingent upon successful completion of recommended action plan.

C. School-Sponsored Functions

1. Remove student from function and/or return to school.

2. Notify administrator who will follow procedures for possession, use, furnishing and/or selling of prohibited substances.

3. Notify parent/guardian to assume responsibility for student.

4. Contact local law enforcement officials to transport if parent/guardian cannot be contacted and/or if student refuses to cooperate.

5. Student to be released only to parent/guardian or local law enforcement personnel.

6. Follow 1a-1e above.

Voluntary Referrals of Students

A. Concerned Person Report

1. Concerned person may confidentially refer concern to the counselor or administrator.

2. Counselor and administrator assess referral.

3. Counselor and administrator meet with student to discuss concerns of referral and to suggest available assistance or action plan.

4. Counselor, administrator and student meet with parent/ guardian as situation warrants.

B. Self-Referral

1. Any student concerned with his/her own use or the use of his/her family or friends may be directed to or direct themselves to the administrator and/or counselor for assistance.

2. No disciplinary action will be taken.

3. A counseling relationship and the information resulting from it shall be kept confidential, consistent with the professional obligations of the counselor, except in cases where disclosure of information is necessary. Said disclosure is necessary when:

a. the student's condition requires others to assume responsibility for his/her; or

b. There is clear and imminent danger to the student or others.

Adopted: 12-9-96