Preview Edition, 2000.
The Witches' Brew
The beginning of the end for smoking at Salem High.
A few years ago, former Assistant Principal Mr. Alan Bernstien made a proposition that would begin to eliminate smoking in Salem High School. That proposition has become Salem High's new smoking policy as of September 2000.
The policy, as written in the student handbook, reads as follows: "On a first offense of use of tobacco products, the violator's parent(s) will be notified, they will be urged to enter and complete a Tobacco Cessation Program or if they refuse, they will be issued a ticket from the city of Salem for $25. On a second offense of use, the violator's parent(s) will again be notified, the violator will be issued a $50 ticket, and will be urged to join a Tobacco Cessation Program. For a third offense of use, the violator's parent(s) will again be notified, they will have to join a Tobacco Cessation Program, and they will be issued a $75 ticket from the City of Salem. On a first offense of possession of tobacco products, the violator's parent(s) will be notified and they will be urged to join a Tobacco Cessation Program. For a second offense of possession, the violator's parent(s) will be notified and a $25 ticket, from the city of Salem, will be issued, but can be waived once by agreeing to enroll in and successfully complete the Tobacco Cessation Program."
When asked if the teachers are held accountable for smoking on school grounds, Assistant Principal Mr. Richard J. Reynolds answered, "Absolutely!"
According to the teachers handbook, a first offense receives a written letter of reprimand in file and referral to a mandatory Tobacco Cessation Program at the employee's expense. A second offense receives a one day suspension with holding pay, while a third offense warrants a three day suspension with out pay. A fourth offense receives a five day suspension with holding pay and referral to the administration for appropriate disciplinary action, which may include termination.
The referral process, or turning someone in, is quite easy. If someone has information about use or possession of tobacco or tobacco products by a teacher or student, and wishes to report it, then they can go to any Salem High administrator or teacher.