5131.6 5131.6Students
Drugs and Alcohol/Tobacco
Drug and Alcohol Free Schools
Pursuant to the goal of the Board of Education to maintain a drug and alcohol free school district, school employees shall take positive action through education, counseling, parental involvement, and medical and police referral in handling incidents in the schools involving possession, sale, and/or use of behavior affecting substances. These substances shall include but not be limited to alcohol and controlled substances as defined in the Penal Code of the State of Connecticut. (cf. 6164.11 Drugs/Alcohol and Tobacco)
Personal privacy rights of students shall be protected as provided by law. School properties may be inspected by school authorities to maintain health and safety. Searches to locate drugs, narcotics, liquor, weapons, poisons, and missing properties are matters relating to health and safety and may be regarded as reasonable grounds for searches by school personnel. (cf. 5145.12 Search and Seizure)
Use, possession, sale or distribution of drugs, including synthetic marijuana, drug paraphernalia and/or alcoholic beverages is prohibited at any time on school premises or at any school-sponsored activity. If a student is under the influence of a drug or alcohol, or engaged in the illegal activity of possessing or selling drugs and/or alcohol, his/her parent(s) will be contacted, he/she will be suspended from school (in accordance with policy 5114), referred to the appropriate treatment agency, and possibly considered for expulsion. In cases of the illegal activity of possessing or selling drugs or alcohol, students will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Annually, students will be notified through the student handbook, or through other means, of disciplinary sanctions for violation of this policy.
A. Principals will include statements, appropriate to student maturity, in school handbooks to the effect that:
1. the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of controlled substances, other illegal drugs, synthetic marijuana or alcohol is prohibited in the workplace and at school sponsored activities;
2. that compliance with the standards of conduct stated in the handbook is mandatory;
3. that a violation of its provisions will subject students to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution.
B. Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to, suspension or expulsion, and/or enrollment in and successful completion of an appropriate substance abuse rehabilitation program. Members of the administrative staff shall report any suspected violation of the standards of conduct directly to the Principal or designee who will immediately investigate the allegation and meet with the alleged violator. Any disciplinary actions imposed will insure that similar violations will be treated consistently.
1. Privileged communication between a professional employee and a student concerning drug abuse shall remain confidential between student and professional.
2. If a professional employee suspects student drug abuse, the employee shall refer the matter to the administration for evaluation. If there is evidence the student needs treatment, a program suited to the individual's needs will be recommended.
3. If a professional employee obtains suspected physical evidence of drugs, including synthetic marijuana, from a student in or on school property or at a school-sponsored event, the employee shall submit such evidence to the school Principal or designee. If the drug is suspected of being illicit, the Principal will turn the substance over to law enforcement personnel. Student and employee confidentiality shall be maintained at this point in the process.
4. Following arrest and while awaiting trial for possession of, or possession of with intent to sell drugs in or on school property or at a school-sponsored event, the student may be allowed to attend school in the discretion of the Superintendent of Schools.
C. The Superintendent of Schools shall direct a drug free awareness program for students on:
1. dangers of drug abuse;
2. Board of Education's policy of maintaining drug free schools;
3. availability of drug counseling and rehabilitation programs;
4. penalties for drug abuse violations in schools.
Smoke-Free Environment
Students
There shall be no smoking or any other unauthorized use of tobacco by students in any school building or school vehicle at any time, or on any school grounds during the school day, or at any time when the student is subject to the supervision of designated school personnel, such as when the student is at any school function, extracurricular event, field trip, or school related activity such as a work-study program. An ongoing program of student support and counseling will be offered to provide support for students who wish to break the smoking habit.
Staff and Public
There shall be no smoking in buildings under the control of the Board of Education. An ongoing program of staff support and counseling will be offered to provide support for staff who wish to break the smoking habit.
(cf. 1330 Use of School Facilities)
(cf. 1331 Smoke Free Environment)
(cf. 4118.231/4218.231 Smoking, Drinking, & Use of Drugs on School Property)
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
1-21b. Smoking prohibited in public buildings. Signs required. Penalties.
10-19 Teaching about alcohol, nicotine or tobacco, drugs and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Training of personnel.
10-154a Professional communications between teacher or nurse and student. Surrender or physical evidence obtained from students.
31-40q Smoking in the workplace: Definitions; employers to establish non-smoking areas; exemptions.
53-198 Smoking in motor buses, railroad cars and school buses.
Federal Regulation 34 C.F.R. Part 85 Drug Free Schools & Communities Act.
Policy adopted: 3/7/11