The school district prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances on school grounds or during school activities. Any student in violation of this will be subject to disciplinary actions as outlined in policy 5131.6.

Substance abuse or distribution of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia including alcohol may indicate serious, underlying problems. Every effort will be made to offer student assistance, including early identification, referral for treatment to private or community agencies and aftercare support.

Disciplinary procedures will be administered with the best interests of the student, school population and community in mind and with due consideration of the rights of students. However, consideration must be given to the fact that substance abuse is illegal and subject to criminal prosecution. Unauthorized possession, distribution, sale or consumption of dangerous drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages is considered grounds for expulsion. 

Students are encouraged to consult with teachers, administrators and other professional staff on substance abuse problems. A staff member who is contacted by a student regarding a drug or alcohol problem may elect to keep that information confidential and not disclose it to any other person in accordance with state law. However, the student will be encouraged at the earliest appropriate time to seek help from parents or guardians.

In such cases, the decision to involve the parents/guardians will be arrived jointly by the student and educator unless, in the judgment of the educator, the mental or physical health of the student is immediately and dangerously threatened by drug/alcohol use. If such danger is imminent, the parents/guardians and health officials will be notified so that appropriate action can be taken.

Students shall not smoke or use tobacco products on school property or at any school-related or school-sanctioned activity, on or off school property as provided by state and federal law.

A.  Consequences of Alcohol/Drug Use or Possession:

First Offense

The student will receive a five (5) day external suspension.  This suspension may be reduced by up to two (2) days by participating in certain activities (see Alternative Drug/Alcohol Use Suspension Program).

 Second Offense

The student will receive a ten (10) day external suspension.  This suspension may be reduced by up to five (5) days by participating in certain prescribed activities (see Alternative Drug/Alcohol Use Suspension Program).

Third Offense

The student will receive a ten (10) day external suspension which may not be reduced, and a recommendation for expulsion will be sent to the Seymour Board of Education.

During the period of suspension, the student and parents/guardians will meet with the School Psychologist/School Social Worker/Guidance Counselor.  At this meeting, any or all of the following or other options will be discussed.

The parents/guardians will be encouraged to contact their physician for purposes of obtaining an assessment of the student’s physical and emotional status as it relates to the student’s involvement in drugs and/or alcohol.

The parents/guardians will be referred to appropriate substance abuse counseling agencies.

The student and parents/guardians will be asked to meet with the principal or his/her designee to review any assessment and/or recommendations resulting from steps one and two above.

B.   Consequences of Distribution of Drugs and/or Drug Paraphernalia, and/or Alcohol:

Since distribution is a criminal activity, the first offense will create an immediate ten (10) day external suspension.  A verbal report will be made to the police of the incident.

During the period of suspension, the student and parents/guardians will meet with the School Psychologist/School Social Worker/Guidance Counselor.  The subject of this meeting will be as set forth in numbers 1, 2, & 3 above.  

A complete copy of the Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Board of Education Policy (#5131.6) may be obtained from the Building Principal/Assistant Principal(s) or from the Superintendent of Schools located at 98 Bank Street, Seymour.

C. Expulsion

Notwithstanding the general procedures for disciplinary actions as described above, expulsion from school pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 10-233d (a) – (e) may occur upon the first, second, or third violation of this policy. Board of Education Policy (# 5131.6(e)) may be obtained from the Building Principal/Assistant Principal(s) or from the Superintendent of Schools located at 98 Bank Street, Seymour.