CODE F7-P

 (Mandatory)[1]

 

PROCEDURES : STUDENT ALCOHOL AND DRUG

 

Students who are experiencing problems with alcohol and drugs are in need of assistance. The type of assistance needed may vary; however, the school system is committed to providing the most appropriate response to each individual. The actions set forth below will be considered routine procedures. School staff will immediately report any violation of the law, including illegal possession or distribution of drugs or alcohol, to the principal.

 

In situations where extreme violations occur, the specific action may be waived by the administrator. Any action taken by waiver of these procedures will be explained in a written report to the superintendent. All disciplinary measures taken in accordance with this policy will comply with due process requirements and, where appropriate, will be consistent with the rights of students with disabilities as reflected in the school's discipline policy.

 

Students under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs

  1. First Offense

A.   A student will be treated as an ill student and will be sent home by an administrator after the parents have been notified. In crisis situations the matter will be handled as a medical emergency and accordingly the school officials will involve ambulance and police assistance as may be appropriate.

B.   Upon the return to school the following day, the student will be dealt with in accordance with the school's discipline program, if applicable.

C. Police shall be notified when drugs are involved. Reporting of 1st offense alcohol problems to the police is within the discretion of the administrator.

D. The student will be referred to the school's Substance Abuse Team.

 

  1. Second offense

A. Steps (A, B, and C) of the 1st offense procedures.

B. Police shall be notified regardless of whether the offense is drug or alcohol related.

C. The student will undergo an alcohol/drug assessment within 10 days of the incident and will participate in a treatment program if warranted by the assessment.

D. Failure to comply with (C) above ( will / may ) result in the student being suspended from school for ten (10) day.

 

  1. Third Offense

A. Step (A) of the 1st offense procedures.

B. Police shall be notified.

C. The student ( will / may ) be suspended from school for ten (10) days and may be recommended to the Board for long-term suspension or expulsion..

 


Students in possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and/or alcohol

When students are found in possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and/or alcohol, the substance(s) will be confiscated. Procedures for handling such incidents will be identical to those used when a student is found to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, except for Step 1A.

 

Students selling or furnishing alcohol and/or drugs

  1. First offense

A. The student will be suspended from school for ten (10) days after the parents have been notified...

B.   Police shall be notified...

C.  The student will be referred to the school's Substance Abuse Team...

  1. Second offense

A.   Steps (A) and (B) for 1st offense will be followed...

B.   The student may be recommended to the Board for long-term suspension or expulsion...

 

Suspected Substance Abuse

When a staff member has reason to believe that a student might be having a problem related to substance abuse, the staff member shall make a referral to the Substance Abuse Team.

 

Co-Curricular Activities

Students who violate the School District's policy on alcohol and drugs while they are members of a school team, are subject to additional disciplinary actions as are defined in the school's training rules. Any student who commits a second offense, in the same year, of the School District's policy may not represent the school and consequently the student will immediately be dismissed from all co-curricular activities (athletic and non-athletic) for the remainder of the school year.



[1] This policy is required by 16 V.S.A. 1165(c) and SBE Rule 4212.  The State Board rule requires that the policy include the elements contained in this model.