Embedded Files
These materials help school administrators ensure that staff, students, and families are aware of policies and procedures.
Administrator Guidelines
Administrator Guidelines
This document is a quick reference guide for school administrators to address student substance use incidents. It walks them through the following steps:
Address health and safety
Confiscate the substance and/or paraphernalia
Contact law enforcement, if applicable
Contact a parent/guardian
Determine appropriate means of correction
Conference with the student and/or parent/guardian
Add your own information and progressive discipline chart to the Guidelines, then provide the document to school administrators to ensure alignment of procedures across school sites.
Staff Briefing Slides
Staff Briefing Slides
Teachers, counselors, administrative support staff, and other team members may have different levels of awareness of policies and procedures around student substance use.
This may create confusion or give the impression that "nothing is being done." It is important to clearly communicate policies and procedures, especially when they are updated to include new interventions.
Customize this slide deck with your information and resources and share it with administrators to review at a staff meeting.
Staff Information Handout
Staff Information Handout
This handout summarizes the key points from the staff briefing slides on alternatives to suspension for substance use.
It outlines the rationale, procedures, and available resources, so staff can reference them quickly and confidently. You may also consider adding a flowchart or more details about progressive discipline.
Use this handout to accompany a presentation at a staff meeting or as a follow-up reminder via e-mail. It can reinforce your messaging and ensure consistent implementation across the school.
Communication Resources for Students and Families
Communication Resources for Students and Families
American Heart Association
American Heart Association
Students and families are often unaware of the policies and procedures related to substance use incidents. This resource from the American Heart Association (AHA) contains sample language for:
A letter or email to parents and caregivers
Announcements for sporting events
Educational messages for social media
Use these templates as inspiration to develop student and family-facing communications related to substance use policies and ATS programs.
Note: This is an excerpt from AHA's Tobacco-Free Schools Toolkit.
Page updated
Report abuse