JICH Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use by Students Prohibited

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND DRUG USE BY STUDENTS PROHIBITED

In view of the fact that the use of alcohol, tobacco, and/or drugs can endanger the health and safety of the user and others, and recognizing the deleterious effect the use of alcoholic beverages or drugs can have on the maintenance of general order and discipline, the School Committee prohibits the use of, serving of, or consumption of any drug or alcoholic beverage on school property, at any school function or at any school sponsored event.

A student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use or consume, possess, buy or sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product, including vapor/E-cigarettes; marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance 

Additionally, any student, regardless of age, who is under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages prior to attendance at, or participation in, a school-sponsored activity, will be barred from that activity and subject to disciplinary action.

The school district shall utilize, in accordance with law, a verbal screening tool approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to screen students for substance abuse disorders. The tool shall be administered by trained staff on an annual basis at grades 8 and 10.

Parents/guardians shall be notified prior to the opening of school each year. Parents/guardians shall have the right to opt out of the screening by written notice prior to or during the screening.

All statements made by a student during a screening are confidential and shall not be disclosed except in the event of immediate medical emergency or in accordance with law. De-identified results shall be reported to the Department of Public Health within 90 days of the completion of the screening process.

This policy will be posted on the District’s website and notice shall be provided to all students and parents of this policy in accordance with state law. Additionally, the District shall file a copy of this policy with DESE in accordance with law in a manner requested by DESE.

LEGAL REF.: M.G.L. c. 71:2A; 71:96; 272:40A

CROSS REF.:

GBEC, Drug Free Workplace Policy

IHAMA, Teaching About Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco

JLCD, Administering Medicines to Students Approved August 25, 2016

[note: this policy replaces the prior JICG and JICH]

Approved to put out for public comment July 23, 2018

Policy approved by School Committee September 12, 2018