Discipline

Sexual Harassment - BOE Policy 5145.5

Any form of sexual harassment will not be tolerated in the workplace, whether by students, by supervisory or non-supervisory personnel, by individuals under contract, or volunteers subject to the control of the Board. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, whether verbal or physical, including, but not limited to, insulting or degrading sexual remarks or conduct; threats or suggestions that an employee's/student's submission to or rejection of unwelcome conduct will in any way influence an employment decision regarding that employee or academic grade of that student, or conduct of a sexual nature which substantially interferes with an employee's work performance or a student’s learning environment, or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or learning environment.

Sexual harassment in the district whether by employee, student or volunteer will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal and/or suspension.

Sexual harassment has been established as a form of sexual discrimination and is defined as follows:

"Any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment or participation in an educational function (2) submission or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or educational decisions affecting the individual or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment."

Bullying Policy - BOE Policy 5131.911

The Granby Board of Education (the “District”) is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment that is physically, emotionally and intellectually safe and thus free from bullying, teen dating violence, harassment and discrimination.  In accordance with state law and the District’s Safe School Climate Plan, the District expressly prohibits any form of bullying behavior on school grounds; at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program, whether on or off school grounds; at a school bus stop; on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by a local or regional board of education; or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by the District.

The District also prohibits any form of bullying behavior outside of the school setting if such bullying (i) creates a hostile environment at school for the student against whom such bullying was directed, (ii) infringes on the rights of the student against whom such bullying was directed at school, or (iii) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.  Discrimination and/or retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying is likewise prohibited.

Students who engage in bullying behavior or teen dating violence shall be subject to school discipline, up to and including expulsion, in accordance with the District's policies on student discipline, suspension and expulsion, and consistent with state and federal law. 

For purposes of this policy, “Bullying” means an act that is direct or indirect and severe, persistent or pervasive, which:

(1)  causes physical or emotional harm to an individual;

(2)  places an individual in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm; or

(3)  infringes on the rights or opportunities of an individual at school.

Bullying shall include, but need not be limited to, a written, oral or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance, or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.

For purposes of this policy, “Cyberbullying” means any act of bullying through the use of the Internet, interactive and digital technologies, cellular mobile telephone or other mobile electronic devices or any electronic communications.

For purposes of this policy, “Teen Dating Violence” means any act of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, including stalking, harassing and threatening, that occurs between two students who are currently in or who have recently been in a dating relationship.

Consistent with the requirements under state law, the District authorizes the Superintendent or designee(s), along with the Safe School Climate Coordinator, to be responsible for developing and implementing a Safe School Climate Plan in furtherance of this policy.  As provided by state law, such Safe School Climate Plan shall include, but not be limited to provisions which: 

(1)  enable students to anonymously report acts of bullying to school employees and require students and the parents or guardians of students to be notified at the beginning of each school year of the process by which students may make such reports;

(2)  enable the parents or guardians of students to file written reports of suspected bullying;

(3)  require school employees who witness acts of bullying or receive reports of bullying to orally notify the safe school climate specialist, or another school administrator if the safe school climate specialist is unavailable, not later than one school day after such school employee witnesses or receives a report of bullying, and to file a written report not later than two school days after making such oral report;

(4)  require the safe school climate specialist to investigate or supervise the investigation of all reports of bullying and ensure that such investigation is completed promptly after receipt of any written reports made under this section and that the parents or guardians of the student alleged to have committed an act or acts of bullying and the parents or guardians of the student against whom such alleged act or acts were directed receive prompt notice that such investigation has commenced;

(5)  require the safe school climate specialist to review any anonymous reports, except that no disciplinary action shall be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report;

(6)  include a prevention and intervention strategy for school employees to deal with bullying and teen dating violence;

(7)  provide for the inclusion of language in student codes of conduct concerning bullying;

(8)  require each school to notify the parents or guardians of students who commit any verified acts of bullying and the parents or guardians of students against whom such acts were directed not later than forty-eight hours after the completion of the investigation described in subdivision (4), above (A) of the results of such investigation, and (B) verbally or by electronic mail, if such parents’ or guardians’ electronic mail addresses are known, that such parents or guardians may refer to the plain language explanation of the rights and remedies available under Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 10-4a and 10-4b published on the Internet website of the Board;

(9)  require each school to invite the parents or guardians of a student against whom such act was directed to a meeting to communicate to such parents or guardians the measures being taken by the school to ensure the safety of the student against whom such act was directed and policies and procedures in place to prevent further acts of bullying;

(10)  require each school to invite the parents or guardians of a student who commits any verified act of bullying to a meeting, separate and distinct from the meeting required in subdivision (9) above, to discuss specific interventions undertaken by the school to prevent further acts of bullying;

(11)  establish a procedure for each school to document and maintain records relating to reports and investigations of bullying in such school and to maintain a list of the number of verified acts of bullying in such school and make such list available for public inspection, and annually report such number to the Department of Education and in such manner as prescribed by the Commissioner of Education;

(12)  direct the development of case-by-case interventions for addressing repeated incidents of bullying against a single individual or recurrently perpetrated bullying incidents by the same individual that may include both counseling and discipline;

(13)  prohibit discrimination and retaliation against an individual who reports or assists in the investigation of an act of bullying;

(14)  direct the development of student safety support plans for students against whom an act of bullying was directed that address safety measures the school will take to protect such students against further acts of bullying;

(15)  require the principal of a school, or the principal's designee, to notify the appropriate local law enforcement agency when such principal, or the principal's designee, believes that any acts of bullying constitute criminal conduct;

(16)  prohibit bullying (A) on school grounds, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, function or program whether on or off school grounds, at a school bus stop, on a school bus or other vehicle owned, leased or used by a local or regional board of education, or through the use of an electronic device or an electronic mobile device owned, leased or used by the District, and (B) outside of the school setting if such bullying (i) creates a hostile environment at school for the student against whom such bullying was directed, or (ii) infringes on the rights of the student against whom such bullying was directed at school, or (iii) substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school;

(17)  require, at the beginning of each school year, each school to provide all school employees with a written or electronic copy of the school district's safe school climate plan; and

(18)  require that all school employees annually complete the training described in Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 10-220a or 10-222j related to the identification, prevention and response to bullying.

The notification required pursuant to subdivision (8) (above) and the invitation required pursuant to subdivisions (9) and (10) (above) shall include a description of the response of school employees to such acts and any consequences that may result from the commission of further acts of bullying.  Any information provided under this policy or accompanying Safe School Climate Plan shall be provided in accordance with the confidentiality restrictions imposed under the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act ("FERPA") and the district's Confidentiality and Access to Student Information policy and regulations. 

The District shall submit its Safe School Climate Plan to the State Department of Education for review and approval.  Not later than thirty (30) calendar days after approval by the Department, the District shall make such plan available on the District's and each individual school in the school district's web site and ensure that the Safe School Climate Plan is included in the school district's publication of the rules, procedures and standards of conduct for schools and in all student handbooks.

As required by state law, the District, after consultation with the Connecticut Department of Education and the Connecticut Social and Emotional Learning and School Climate Advisory Collaborative, shall provide on the District’s website training materials to school administrators regarding the prevention of and intervention in discrimination against and targeted harassment of students based on such students’ (1) actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socioeconomic status, academic status, physical appearance or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or (2) association with individuals or groups who have or are perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.

As required by state law, the District shall post on its website the plain language explanation of rights and remedies under Connecticut General Statutes §§ 10-4a and 10-4b, as developed and provided to the District by the Connecticut Social and Emotional Learning and School Climate Advisory Collaborative.



Click here for the parent/student report of bullying form


Smoking Policy

There shall be no smoking or any other unauthorized use or possession of tobacco, tobacco products, including chewing tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia, and electronic nicotine delivery systems or vapor products by students in any school building or school vehicle at any time or on any school grounds during the school day, or at any time when the student is subject to the supervision of designated school personnel. Such as when the student is at any school function, extracurricular event, field trip, or school related activity such as a work-study program.

Tobacco includes, but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, nicotine delivering systems or vapor product, chemicals, or devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances; and any other tobacco or nicotine innovations.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The Superintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar actions are treated consistently.  

Tobacco and related items will be confiscated. Students who are caught smoking or in possession of tobacco related items in the building or on the campus will be assigned a Saturday School and may be referred to the police. Failure to report to Saturday school will result in a 1-day, in-school suspension.  Second offences for any circumstance will result in suspension. 

Teacher Assigned Detention

Teachers may assign students after-school detention for tardiness, unexcused absences, class disturbances, or for any other disciplinary reason.  Students may be given only a 24-hour notice on assigned detentions for purposes of parent notification and transportation arrangements.  Failure to report to the detention will result in assignment of one (1) session of PM School.  Repeated refusal to report will result in Saturday school.  Detention dates and times are at the teacher's discretion.

PM School

Failure to report to a teacher’s detention or an infraction of school rules may result in the assignment of PM school.    Students will be assigned no more than two (2) consecutive PM sessions for each infraction.  PM School will meet on Monday through Friday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in a designated area.  Students assigned to PM School are expected to observe school rules. Students are required to bring homework or other suitable study material to PM School. Quiet study period procedures will be observed.   Failure to report to PM School will result in two (2) PM School sessions.  Failure to report to PM Schools will result in a Saturday School.  Failure to attend the Saturday school will result in a 1-day in-school suspension.  Exclusion from PM School for disruption will result in Saturday school and possible suspension.

Saturday School

Saturday school will meet each Saturday morning in a designated room from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.  Students assigned to Saturday school are expected to follow school rules. Students are required to bring homework or other suitable material to study.  Failure to report on time will result in a second Saturday school.  Failure to attend Saturday school will result in a 1 day, in-school suspension and attendance at another scheduled Saturday school.  Students are to meet in the lower rotunda no later than 8:00 a.m.

In School Suspension

In-School suspension is an alternative to out-of-school suspension that prevents a student from attending all or some classes for up to ten (10) days at any one time.  During the period of in-school suspension, the student will be assigned to a self-contained alternative classroom. If a students’ behavior warrants the removal from in-school suspension, the student will be sent home and will serve the remainder of the suspension out-of-school. Teachers will be notified of a student having ISS and must provide work for the student.  Lunch will be eaten in the ISS room. ISS students must leave at the end of the school day and are not permitted to attend any after school activities.

Administrative Conference with Students

The principal or assistant principals may meet with individual students to attempt to solve any problem that cannot be resolved at the teacher/student level.  Students may request an appointment with an administrator at any time.

Administrative Conference with Parents

The principal or assistant principals may ask parents to come for a conference with their son or daughter whenever attempts to resolve school problems have failed or when the severity of the infraction warrants parent involvement.

Discipline

All school district employees share responsibility for supervising the behavior of students to help them meet standards of conduct established by the Board of Education or the school administration. In working with the students, emphasis shall be placed upon developing effective self-discipline as the most effective disciplinary approach.

I.  Definitions

a.  Emergency means a situation in which the continued presence of the student in school or school sponsored activities poses such a danger to persons or property or such a disruption of the educational process that a hearing may be delayed until a time as soon after the exclusion of such student as possible.

b. Exclusion means any denial of public school privileges to a student for disciplinary purposes.

c. Expulsion means the exclusion of a student from school privileges for more than ten (10) consecutive school days.  The expulsion period may not extend beyond one (1) calendar year.

d. In-School Suspension means an exclusion from regular classroom activity for no more than ten (10) consecutive school days, but not exclusion from school, provided such exclusion shall not extend beyond the end of the school year in which such in-school suspension was imposed.  No student shall be placed on in-school suspension more than fifteen (15) times or a total of fifty (50) days in one (1) school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion.

e. Removal is the exclusion of a student for a class period of ninety (90) minutes or less. The reassignment of a student from one regular education classroom program in the district to another regular education classroom program in the district shall not constitute a suspension or expulsion.

f. School Days shall mean days when school is in session for students.

g. School-Sponsored Activity means any activity sponsored, recognized or authorized by the Board and includes activities conducted on or off school property.

h. Seriously Disruptive of the Educational Process, as applied to off-campus conduct, means any conduct that markedly interrupts or severely impedes the day-to-day operation of a school.

i. Drugs mean any controlled drugs or controlled substances defined in the Drug and Alcohol Use Policy (5131.6).

j. Suspension means the exclusion of a student from school and/or transportation services for not more than ten (10) consecutive school days, provided such suspension shall not extend beyond the end of the school year in which such suspension is imposed; and further provided no student shall be suspended more than ten (10) times or a total of fifty (50) days in one school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion, unless such student is granted a formal hearing as provided below.  Suspensions shall be in-school suspensions unless the administration determines that (1) the student being suspended poses such a danger to persons or property or such a disruption of the educational process that the student shall be excluded from school during the period of suspension, or (2) that an out-of-school suspension is appropriate based on evidence of previous disciplinary problems that have led to suspensions or expulsion of the student and efforts by the administration to address such disciplinary problems through means other than out-of-school suspension or expulsion, including positive support strategies.

k. Weapon means any BB gun, any black jack, any metal or brass knuckles, any police baton or nightstick, any dirk knife or switch knife, any knife having an automatic spring release devise by which a blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches in length, any stiletto, any knife the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches and over in length, any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument, unless permitted by law under section 29-38 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

l. Dangerous instrument means any instrument, article or substance which, under the circumstances in which it is used or attempted or threatened to be used, is capable of causing death or serious physical injury, and includes a "vehicle" or a dog that has been commanded to attack. 

m. The terms martial arts weapon, electronic defense weapon, dangerous instrument, and deadly weapon are defined below at Section VII.B.

II.  Scope of the Student Discipline Policy

A. Conduct on School Grounds or at a School-Sponsored Activity

B. Students may be disciplined for conduct on school grounds or at any school-sponsored activity that endangers persons or property, is seriously disruptive of the educational process, or that violates a publicized policy of the Board.

C. Conduct off School Grounds

D. Students may be suspended or expelled for conduct off school grounds if such conduct is seriously disruptive of the educational process and violative of a publicized policy of the Board.  In making a determination as to whether such conduct is seriously disruptive of the educational process, the Administration and the Board of Education may consider, but such consideration shall not be limited to, the following factors:  (1) whether the incident occurred within close proximity of a school; (2) whether other students from the school were involved or whether there was any gang involvement; (3) whether the conduct involved violence, threats of violence, or the unlawful use of a weapon, as defined in section Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-38, and whether any injuries occurred; and (4) whether the conduct involved the use of drugs and/or alcohol.

III.  Actions Leading to Disciplinary Action, including Removal from Class, Suspension and/or Expulsion

A.  Conduct which may lead to disciplinary action (including, but not limited to, removal from class, suspension and/or expulsion) includes conduct on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, and conduct off school grounds, as set forth above.  Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Striking or assaulting a student, members of the school staff or other persons.

2. Theft.

3. The use of obscene or profane language or gestures, the possession and/or display of obscenity or pornographic images or the unauthorized possession and/or display of images, pictures or photographs depicting nudity. 

4. Violation of smoking, dress, transportation regulations, or other regulations and/or policies governing student conduct.

5. Refusal to obey a member of the school staff, law enforcement authorities, or school volunteers, or disruptive classroom behavior.

6. Any act of harassment based on an individual's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic statue, academic statue, physical appearance, or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.

7. Refusal by a student to identify himself/herself to a staff member when asked, or misidentification of oneself to such person(s).

8. A walk-out from or sit-in within a classroom or school building or school grounds.

9. Blackmailing, threatening or intimidating school staff or students (or acting in a manner that could be construed to constitute blackmail, a threat, or intimidation, regardless of whether intended as a joke).

10. Possession of any weapon, weapon facsimile, deadly weapon, pistol, knife, blackjack, bludgeon, box cutter, metal knuckles, pellet gun, explosive device, firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, whether functional or not, or any other dangerous object.

11. Possession of any ammunition for any weapon described above in paragraph 10.

12. Unauthorized entrance into any school facility or portion of a school facility or aiding or abetting an unauthorized entrance.

13. Possession or ignition of any fireworks, combustible or other explosive materials, or ignition of any material causing a fire.  Possession of any materials designed to be used in the ignition of combustible materials, including matches and lighters.

14. Unauthorized possession, sale, distribution, use, consumption, or aiding in the procurement of tobacco including an electronic nicotine delivery system (electronic cigarettes), drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages (or any facsimile of tobacco, drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages, or any item represented to be tobacco, drugs or alcoholic beverages), including being under the influence of any such substances.  For the purposes of this Paragraph 13, the term "drugs" shall include, but shall not be limited to, any medicinal preparation (prescription and non-prescription) and any controlled substance whose possession, sale, distribution, use or consumption is illegal under state and/or federal law. 

15. Possession of paraphernalia used or designed to be used in the consumption, sale or distribution of drugs, alcohol or tobacco, including an electronic nicotine delivery system (electronic cigarettes), as described in subparagraph (13) above.  For purposes of this policy, drug paraphernalia includes any equipment, products and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use or designed for use in growing, harvesting, manufacturing, producing, preparing, packaging, storing, containing or concealing, or injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing controlled drugs or controlled substances into the human body, including but not limited to items such as "bongs," pipes, "roach clips, "vials, tobacco rolling papers, and any object or container used, intended or designed for use in storing, concealing, possessing, distributing or selling controlled drugs or controlled substances.

16. Sale, distribution, or consumption of substances contained in household items; including, but not limited to glue, paint, accelerants/propellants for aerosol canisters, and/or items such as the aerators for whipped cream; if sold, distributed or consumed for the purpose of inducing a stimulant, depressant, hallucinogenic or mind-altering effect.

17. The destruction of real, personal or school property, such as, cutting, defacing or otherwise damaging property in any way.

18. Accumulation of offenses such as school and class tardiness, class or study hall cutting, or failure to attend detention.

19. Trespassing on school grounds while on out-of-school suspension or expulsion.

20. Making false bomb threats or other threats to the safety of students, staff members, and/or other persons.

21. Defiance of school rules and the valid authority of teachers, supervisors, administrators, other staff members and/or law enforcement authorities.

22. Throwing snowballs, rocks, sticks and/or similar objects.

23. Unauthorized and/or reckless and/or improper operation of a motor vehicle on school grounds or at any school-sponsored activity.

24. Leaving school grounds, school transportation or a school-sponsored activity without authorization.

25. Use of or copying of the academic work of another individual and presenting it as the student's own work, without proper attribution; or any other form of academic dishonesty, cheating or plagiarism.

26. Unauthorized use of any school computer, computer system, computer software, Internet connection or similar school property or system, or the use of such property or system for inappropriate purposes.

27. Possession and/or use of a laser pointer.

28. Hazing.

29. Teen dating violence means any act of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, including stalking, harassing and threatening that occurs between two students who are currently in or have recently been in a dating relationship.

30. Bullying, defined as the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic communication, such as cyber bullying, directed at or referring to another student attending school in the same school district, or a physical act or gesture by one or more students repeatedly directed at another student attending school in the same school district, that:

a) Causes physical or emotional harm to such student or damage to such student's property;

b) Places such student in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself, or of damage to his or her property;

c) Creates a hostile environment at school for such student;

d) Infringes on the rights of such student at school; or

e) Substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Bullying shall include, but not be limited to, repeated use by one or more students, of written, verbal or electronic communication or physical act or gesture based on any actual or perceived differentiating characteristics, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic statue, academic statue, physical appearance, or mental, physical, developmental or sensory disability, or by association with an individual or group who has or is perceived to have one or more of such characteristics.

31. Engaging in a plan to stage or create a violent situation for the purposes of recording it by electronic means; or recording by electronic means acts of violence for purposes of later publication.

32. Engaging in a plan to stage sexual activity for the purpose of recording it by electronic means; or recording by electronic means sexual acts for purposes of later publication.

33. Using computer systems, including email, instant messaging, text messaging, blogging or the use of social networking websites, or other forms of electronic communications, to engage in any conduct prohibited by this policy.

34. Use of a privately owned electronic or technological device in violation of school rules, including the unauthorized recording (photographic or audio) of another individual without permission of the individual or a school staff member.

35. Acting in any manner that creates a health and/or safety hazard for staff members, students, or the public, regardless of whether the conduct is intended as a joke. 

36. Any action prohibited by any Federal or State law.

37. Any other violation of school rules or regulations or a series of violations which makes the presence of the student in school seriously disruptive of the educational process and/or a danger to persons or property.

IV.  Procedures Governing Removal from Class

A. A student may be removed from class by a teacher or administrator if he/she deliberately causes a serious disruption of the educational process.  When a student is removed, the teacher must send him/her to a designated area and notify the principal or his/her designee at once. 

B. A student may not be removed from class more than six (6) times in one school year nor more than twice in one week unless the student is referred to the building principal or designee and granted an informal hearing at which the student should be informed of the reasons for the disciplinary action and given an opportunity to explain the situation.

C. The parents or guardian of any minor student removed from class shall be given notice of such disciplinary action within twenty-four (24) hours of the time of the institution of such removal from class.

V.  Procedures Governing Suspension

A.  The principal of a school, or designee on the administrative staff of the school, shall have the right to suspend any student for breach of conduct as noted in Section II of this policy for not more than ten (10) consecutive school days.  In such cases, the following procedures shall be followed.

B.  In cases where the student has previously been suspended, or where such suspension will result in the student's being suspended more than ten (10) times or for fifty (50) days in a school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion, the student shall, prior to suspension, be granted a formal hearing before the Board of Education.  The principal or designee shall report the student to the Superintendent or designee and request a formal Board hearing.

VI.  Procedures Governing In-School Suspension

A. The principal or designee may impose in-school suspension in cases where a student's conduct endangers persons or property, violates school policy, seriously disrupts the educational process or in other appropriate circumstances as determined by the principal or designee.

B. In-school suspension may not be imposed on a student without an informal hearing by the building principal or designee.

C. No student shall be placed on in-school suspension more than fifteen (15) times or a total of fifty (50) days in one school year, whichever results in fewer days of exclusion.

D. The parents or guardian of any minor student placed on in-school suspension shall be given notice of such suspension within twenty-four (24) hours of the time of the institution of the period of the in-school suspension.

Class and School Disturbances

Teachers or administrators must confiscate, but will not be responsible for, any materials that cause disturbance to the orderly environment of the school.

Violation of Civil Law

Violations within the school, which constitute a breach of the civil law (i.e., commission of a crime), will be referred to the police for cooperative resolution. The administration will file the complaint and request assistance if assistance is needed.  Both suspension and expulsion proceedings against a student may be considered by the school.

Alcohol Use, Drugs and Tobacco (including Performance Enhancing Substances) - For Full Policy See - BOE Policy 5131.6

Pursuant to the goal of the District to maintain a drug, tobacco and alcohol-free school district, schools shall take positive action through education, counseling, parental involvement, and medical and police referral in handling incidents in the schools involving possession, sale, and/or use of behavior affecting substances.  These substances shall include but not be limited to alcohol and controlled substances as defined in the Penal Code of the State of Connecticut.

Alcohol, tobacco, stimulants, street drugs, including but not limited to marijuana, heroin and cocaine; anabolic steroids, hormones and analogues, diuretics and other performance enhancing substances; including supplements and Creatine, are addressed by this policy and accompanying administrative regulations.

Possessing, using, or transmitting any substance which is represented to be or looks like a narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, stimulant, depressant, or intoxicant of any kind, including such substances that contain chemicals which produce the same effect of illegal substances including but not limited to Spice and K2 and bath salts are addressed by this policy.

Definitions

Drugs are defined as any substance other than food or water that is intended to be taken or administered (ingested, injected, applied, implanted, inhaled, etc.) for the purpose of altering, sustaining, or controlling the recipient's physical, mental, or emotional state.  Drugs may include, but not be limited to, alcoholic beverages; controlled substances such as marijuana, hallucinogens, cocaine, barbiturates, amphetamines, narcotics; and non-authorized prescription drugs.

Controlled substances, for purposes of this policy shall include all controlled substances prohibited by federal and state law, look-alike drugs, alcoholic beverages, anabolic steroids, drug paraphernalia, any volatile solvents or inhalants, such as but not limited to glue and aerosol products, and prescription or patent drugs, except those for which permission for use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy.

Under the influence, for purposes of this policy shall include any consumption or ingestion of controlled substances by a student.

Electronic nicotine delivery system means an electronic device that may be used to simulate smoking in the delivery of nicotine or other substance to a person inhaling from the device, and includes, but is not limited to, an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe or electronic hookah and any related device and any cartridge or other component of such device.

Liquid nicotine container means a container that holds a liquid substance containing nicotine that is sold, marketed or intended for use in an electronic nicotine delivery system or vapor product, except "liquid nicotine container" does not include such a container that is prefilled and sealed by the manufacturer and not intended to be opened by the consumer.

Vapor product means any product that employs a heating element, power source, electronic circuit or other electronic, chemical or mechanical means, regardless of shape or size, to produce a vapor that may or may not include nicotine that is inhaled by the user of such product.

CBD, for purposes of this policy, is defined under federal law as a cannabis product with less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry weight basis. It is also referred to as hemp.

Privacy Rights

Personal privacy rights of students shall be protected as provided by law. School properties may be inspected by school authorities to maintain health and safety. Searches to locate drugs, narcotics, liquor, weapons, poisons, and missing properties are matters relating to health and safety and may be regarded as reasonable grounds for searches by school personnel. Privileged communication between a certified or paraprofessional employee and a student concerning drug abuse shall remain confidential except in cases where the employee is obtaining physical evidence of a controlled substance, and/or where there is an immediate threat to, or where students' health, safety, and welfare may be jeopardized.

Illegal Activities

Use, possession, sale or distribution of drugs, including prescription drugs, drug paraphernalia and/or alcoholic beverages in violation of state law or Board of Education policy is prohibited at any time on school premises or at any school-sponsored activity. If a student is under the influence of a drug or alcohol, or engaged in the illegal activity of possessing or selling drugs and/or alcohol, the police will be notified, his/her parent(s)/guardian will be contacted, he/she will be suspended from school, referred to a Student Support Team, and considered for expulsion.  In cases of the illegal activity of possessing or selling drugs or alcohol, students will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.  If a student is arrested and is awaiting trial for possession of, or possession of with intent to sell drugs in or on school property or at a school-sponsored event, the student will not be allowed to attend school without the permission of the Superintendent, per the guidelines set forth in Policy #5114.

Notification of Policy

Annually, students will be notified through the student handbook, or through other means, of disciplinary sanctions for violation of this policy.

Principals shall include statements, appropriate to student maturity, in school handbooks and on District/school websites to the effect that:

1.  the unlawful manufacture, distribution, sale, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances, other illegal drugs, performance-enhancing substances, alcohol or tobacco, including electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products, is prohibited in school, on school grounds, on school transportation and at school sponsored activities;

2.  compliance with the standards of conduct stated in the handbook is mandatory;

3.  a violation of its provisions will subject students to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution;

4.  CIAC controlled activities at the high school and middle school levels sponsored by the District/school are included in this policy and accompanying administrative regulations; and

5.  CIAC may impose sanctions beyond those applied by the District for the use of performance-enhancing substances, as defined in this policy, by athletes.

Disciplinary Action

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action which includes, but is not limited to, suspension or expulsion, and/or a program recommended by the Student Support Team.  Student athletes who violate this policy, participating in CIAC-controlled activities shall also be declared ineligible for such activities in accordance with CIAC policy and regulation. Any disciplinary actions imposed will ensure that similar violations will be treated consistently. The Superintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treated consistently.

The following guidelines for reporting alleged violations are to be followed:

1.  If an employee suspects student possession, use, abuse, distribution or sale of controlled substances, other illegal drugs, performance-enhancing drugs, alcohol, or tobacco/tobacco products the employee shall refer the matter to the Principal or his/her designee. The Principal or designee will notify the student's parent/guardian, recommend a specific assessment, as appropriate, and contact law enforcement personnel as appropriate.

2.  If an employee obtains physical evidence of a controlled substance, other illegal drug, drug paraphernalia, performance-enhancing drugs, alcohol, tobacco products or tobacco paraphernalia from a student in school, on school grounds, on school provided transportation or at a school sponsored event, the employee shall turn the student and the controlled substance over to the school principal or designee. The Principal will notify the student's parent/guardian, recommend a specified assessment as appropriate, notify law enforcement personnel and shall surrender possession of the controlled substance to the proper authorities within the time period required by state law.

Drug-Free Awareness Program

The Superintendent shall assure that the school District provides a drug-free awareness program for students including the following topics:

•  health and safety-related dangers of drug abuse;

•  review of the District's policy of maintaining drug-free schools;

•  notification of the availability of drug counseling and rehabilitation programs; and

•  official penalties for drug abuse violations in schools.

Drugs and Alcohol

It is the policy of the District to prevent and prohibit the use (except as duly authorized through the school nurse), possession, distribution or sale of any drug, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol by any student at any time on school property, at school-sponsored events or on school-provided transportation. The District provides (1) a supportive environment for recovering chemically dependent students during and/or after their involvement in a treatment program for chemical dependency; and will provide (2) assistance to those students who are affected by drug/alcohol possession or use by others. Any student in District schools found to be using, selling, distributing, in possession of or under the influence of intoxicants, mood altering drugs or substances, or look-alike drugs, or in possession of any related drug paraphernalia during a school session, on school premises, or anywhere at a school-sponsored activity or trip, on school-provided transportation, or otherwise off school grounds when such student's conduct violates the substance abuse policy and is seriously disruptive of the educational process shall be subject to consequences as stated in the student handbook.

A breath alcohol tester is approved for use at events/activities such as dances and proms at the middle school and high school levels where, in the judgment of the school administrator, there exists reasonable suspicion that a student has consumed an alcoholic beverage and then, only under the following circumstances:

•  The student denies to an administrator that he/she has consumed alcoholic beverages and wishes to establish his/her innocence.  Should the student register a positive reading on the breath alcohol tester, consequences will be administered as outlined in the discipline/behavior regulations in the Code of Conduct.

•  The student denies to an administrator that he/she has consumed alcoholic beverages and elects not to utilize the breath alcohol tester to establish his/her innocence. The judgment of the administrator will then be utilized to determine if the student has consumed an alcoholic beverage. In this instance, consequences will be administered as outlined in the discipline/behavior regulations in the Code of Conduct.

Inhalant Abuse

In addition to the prohibitions pertaining to alcohol, drugs and tobacco contained in this policy, no student shall inhale, ingest, apply, use or possess an abusable glue, aerosol paint or substance containing a volatile chemical with intent to inhale, ingest, apply or use any of these in a manner:

1.  Contrary to directions for use, cautions or warnings appearing on a label of a container of the glue, paint aerosol or substance; and

2.  Designed to affect the central nervous system, create or induce a condition of intoxication, hallucination or elation, or change, distort, or disturb the person's eyesight, thinking process, balance or coordination.

For purposes of this policy, inhalants are defined as follows, but not limited to:

Nitrous Oxide - Laughing Gas, Whippets, CO2 Cartridge
Amyl Nitrite - "Locker Room," "Rush," "Poppers," "Snappers"
Butyl Nitrite - "Bullet," "Climax"
Chlorohydrocarbons - Aerosol Paint Cans, Cleaning Fluids
Hydrocarbons - Aerosol Propellants, Gasoline, Glue, Butane

Further, no student, 18 years of age or older, shall intentionally, knowingly or recklessly deliver or sell potentially abusable inhalant materials as listed above to a minor student.

No student shall intentionally use or possess with intent to use inhalant paraphernalia to inhale, ingest, or otherwise introduce into the body an abusable glue, aerosol paint or substance or other substance that contains a volatile chemical.

Any student in the District schools found to be in possession of, using, distributing, or selling potentially abusable inhalant materials shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in this policy, up to and including suspension and a recommendation for expulsion. Violators of this policy may also be required to complete an appropriate rehabilitation program. The Superintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treated consistently.

The Board of Education shall incorporate into the curriculum at all levels education pertaining to potential inhalant abuse which is appropriate for students given their age, maturity, and grade level. Inhalant abuse educational programs/information for parents/guardians will be offered in a manner convenient to parents/guardians.

Performance-Enhancing Drugs (including food supplement)

In addition to the prohibition pertaining to alcohol, drugs, tobacco and inhalants, the Board of Education prohibits the use, possession, distribution or sale of performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic steroids and food supplements, including Creatine, by students involved in school-related athletics or any co-curricular or extracurricular school activity/program, other than use for a valid medical purpose as documented by a physician. Bodybuilding and enhancement of athletic ability and performance are not considered valid medical purposes.

School personnel and coaches will not dispense any drugs, medication or food supplements except as in compliance with Connecticut State law, District policy and as prescribed by a student's physician, dentist, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse.

Students shall be made aware of the dangers of steroid abuse and that such abuse, unauthorized possession, purchase, or sale will subject them to disciplinary action and CIAC sanctions.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The Superintendent shall propose, and the Board of Education shall approve, procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this section is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar violations are treated consistently.

It is the expectation of the Board that District schools, as members of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Association (CIAC), require all athletes playing in CIAC-controlled sports to be chemical free.

Tobacco/E-Cigarette Use by Students

There shall be no smoking or any other unauthorized use or possession of tobacco, tobacco products, including chewing tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia, and electronic nicotine delivery systems or vapor products by students in any school building or school vehicle at any time or on any school grounds during the school day, or at any time when the student is subject to the supervision of designated school personnel. Such as when the student is at any school function, extracurricular event, field trip, or school related activity such as a work-study program. An ongoing program of student support and counseling will be offered to provide support for students who wish to break the smoking habit.

Tobacco includes, but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, snuff, smoking tobacco, smokeless tobacco, nicotine, nicotine delivering systems or vapor product, chemicals, or devices that produce the same flavor or physical effect of nicotine substances; and any other tobacco or nicotine innovations.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The Superintendent shall propose and the Board of Education shall approve procedures and regulations to ensure that any student violating this policy is subjected to disciplinary action, and that any disciplinary actions imposed for similar actions are treated consistently.

Medical Marijuana

The conditions which follow are applicable to a District student who holds a certificate authorizing the palliative use of marijuana issued by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) for the medical use of marijuana as set out in P.A. 12-55, "An Act Concerning the Palliative Use of Marijuana" and as amended by P.A. 16-23.

The District will not refuse to enroll a student or otherwise penalize a student for being a medical marijuana certificate holder unless failure to do so would cause the school to lose a monetary or licensing benefit under federal law or regulations.

A student medical marijuana certificate holder is subject to, without bias, the same code of conduct and disciplinary standards applicable to all students attending District schools.

A student medical marijuana certificate holder shall not:

•  Undertake any task under the influence of marijuana that would constitute negligence;

•  Possess or engage in the medical use of marijuana

•  On a school bus;

•  On the grounds of any preschool, elementary or secondary school;

•  Utilize marijuana on any form of public transportation or in any public place;

•  Operate, navigate, or be in actual physical control of any motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, except that a qualifying certified marijuana user for medical purposes shall not be considered to be under the influence of marijuana solely because of the presence of metabolites or components of marijuana that appear in insufficient concentration to cause impairment;

•  Use marijuana in any manner not authorized by P.A. 12-55, as amended by P.A. 16-23; or

•  Offer to give, sell, or dispense medical marijuana to another student or other individual on school property, in school-provided vehicles, at school events, or when functioning as a representative of the school.

If District officials have reasonable belief that a student may be under the influence, in possession of, or distributing medical marijuana, in a manner not authorized by the medical marijuana statute, law enforcement authorities will be informed.

A student who violates any portion of this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action and applicable criminal prosecution.

Use of CBD Products

Students are prohibited from possessing, using, selling, delivering, manufacturing, or being under the influence of any substance containing cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), regardless of whether it constitutes a controlled substance under federal law.