DBS CODE:  5131.6

STUDENTS

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Drugs and Alcohol

It is the policy of the Somers Board of Education to take positive actions to prevent drug and alcohol abuse.  Recognizing the potential of each student that drug or alcohol abuse and dependency can seriously impair a student's ability to learn, these actions will be through education, early intervention, parental involvement, medical and/or assessment referral.

The Board of Education prohibits student possession, use, and/or distribution of any drugs, alcohol, or drug paraphernalia or being under the influence of any drug or alcohol on school premises or at any school-sponsored activity.

Definitions

Drugs are defined as any substance other than food or water that is intended to be taken or administered (ingested, injected, applied, implanted, inhaled, etc.) for the purpose of altering, sustaining, or controlling the recipient's physical, mental, or emotional state.  Drugs may include, but not be limited to, alcoholic beverages; controlled substances such as marijuana, hallucinogens, cocaine, barbiturates, amphetamines, narcotics; and non-authorized prescription drugs.

Possessing, using, or transmitting any substance which is represented to be or looks like a narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, stimulant, depressant, or intoxicant of any kind, including such substances that contain chemicals which produce the same effect of illegal substances including but not limited to Spice and K2 and bath salts are addressed by this policy.

Controlled substances, for purposes of this policy shall include all controlled substances prohibited by federal and state law, look-alike drugs, alcoholic beverages, anabolic steroids, drug paraphernalia, any volatile solvents or inhalants, such as but not limited to glue and aerosol products, and prescription or patent drugs, except those for which permission for use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy.

Electronic nicotine delivery system means an electronic device that may be used to simulate smoking in the delivery of nicotine or other substance to a person inhaling from the device, and includes, but is not limited to, an electronic cigarette, electronic cigar, electronic cigarillo, electronic pipe or electronic hookah and any related device and any cartridge or other component of such device.

Liquid nicotine container means a container that holds a liquid substance containing nicotine that is sold, marketed or intended for use in an electronic nicotine delivery system or vapor product, except "liquid nicotine container" does not include such a container that is prefilled and sealed by the manufacturer and not intended to be opened by the consumer.

Vapor product means any product that employs a heating element, power source, electronic circuit or other electronic, chemical or mechanical means, regardless of shape or size, to produce a vapor that may or may not include nicotine, that is inhaled by the user of such product.

Under the influence, for purposes of this policy shall include any consumption or ingestion of controlled substances by a student.

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, the police will be notified, his/her parent(s)/guardian will be contacted and he/she will be suspended from school and considered for expulsion. If a student is arrested and is 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 will not be allowed to attend school without the permission of the Superintendent.

Student athletes who violate this policy, participating in CIAC-controlled activities shall also be declared ineligible for such activities in accordance with CIAC policy and regulations. Any disciplinary actions imposed will ensure that similar violations will be treated consistently.

School properties may be inspected by school authorities in the interest of maintenance, health, and safety.  Inspections for the location of drugs, narcotics, liquor, weapons, poisons and missing properties are matters relating to health and safety and may be regarded as reasonable purposes for inspection by school personnel (cf. 5145.12 - Search and Seizure)

Disciplinary procedures will be administered with the best interests of the student, school population, and community in mind.  Personal privacy rights of students shall be protected as provided by law.

Tobacco/Vaping

Smoking, possession of smoking or vapor materials, or other use of tobacco or vapor products by students of Somers Public Schools is prohibited.

1.   in all school buildings;

Any student found to be in violation of the tobacco/vapor policy will be subject to disciplinary action.  Additionally, each student found to be in violation of the tobacco/vapor policy will be referred to the Connecticut State Police for prosecution under Connecticut General Statute 1-21b.

2.  on school grounds and recreational fields;

3.  on transportation provided by the Board of Education, 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.

Disciplinary action will be in accordance with regulations provided by the administration.

An ongoing program of student support and counseling will be offered to provide support for students who wish to break the smoking habit.

Legal Reference:  CT General Statutes

1-21b Smoking prohibited in certain places

10-220b Policy statement on drugs

21a-242 Schedules of controlled substances

10-221a Board of Education to prescribe rules

21a-240(8) Definitions "Controlled Drugs," dependency producing drugs.

21a-240(9) Definitions "controlled substance."

21a-243 Regulation re schedules of controlled substances.

P.A. 15-206 An Act Regulating Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Vapor Products.

P.A. 11-73 An Act Regulating the Sale and Possession of Synthetic Marijuana and Salvia Divinorum.

P.A. 14-76 An Act Concerning the Governor's Recommendations Regarding Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems and Youth Smoking Prevention.

Adopted:  September 11, 1989

Revised:  September 24, 1990

February 26, 1996

February 22, 1999

April 12, 2006

June 25, 2012

March 9, 2015

November 9, 2015

Reviewed:  July 15, 2016

June 25, 2018

   ADMIN. REG:  5131.6

4118.232

4218.222

COMMUNITY RELATIONS:

Smoking:

The Board of Education has adopted the following policy for all employees and visitors that shall commence on September 1, 1996.

1.  Smoking and the use of tobacco products is prohibited as follows:

a)  in all school buildings;

b)  on school grounds;

c)  on transportation provided by the Board of Education.

2.  All administrators, directors, and supervisors are responsible to implement the Board policy on smoking.

3.  If an employee is caught smoking the following will occur:

a)  first offense - verbal warning

b)  second offense - written warning

c)  third offense - two day suspension without pay

d)  fourth offense - dismissal.

4.  Any visitor found to be in violation of the tobacco policy will be subject to disciplinary action.  Additionally, beginning on the first day of the 1999-2000 school year, each visitor found to be in violation of the tobacco policy will be referred to the Connecticut State Police for prosecution under Connecticut General Statute 1-21b.

Revised:  September 28, 2000

Reviewed:  May 28, 2003

Reviewed:  September 11, 2003

   ADMIN. REG: 5131.6

STUDENTS:

Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco:

The Board of Education prohibits the use of any controlled substances, illegal drugs or alcohol during school or at any school related activities or functions.  This prohibition includes any activities sponsored by the Somers Public Schools on or off school premises.

It is the policy of the Somers Public Schools to take legal action in the handling of incidents involving the possession, sale and/or use of behavior affecting substances.  The substances shall include but are not limited to marijuana and alcohol.

School properties may be inspected by school authorities in the interest of maintenance, health, and safety.  Inspections for the location of drugs, narcotics, liquor, weapons, poisons, and missing properties are matters relating to health and safety and may be regarded as reasonable purposes for inspection by school personnel.

CONTROLLED DRUGS:  Drugs which contain any quantity of a substance which have been designated as subject to federal narcotic laws, or which have been designated as a depressant or stimulant drug pursuant to federal drug laws, or which have been designated by the public health council and commissioner of consumer protection pursuant to section 21a-243 of the Connecticut General Statutes as having a stimulant, depressant or hallucinogenic effect upon the higher function of the central nervous system and as having a tendency to promote abuse, addiction, and/or psychological dependence.

DRUG PARAPHERNALIA:  Any object or device used, intended for use, or designated for use in ingesting, inhaling, injecting, or otherwise introducing controlled or restricted substances into the human body (i.e. bongs, pipes, roach clips, miniature cocaine spoons, crack vials, tobacco rolling papers) or any object or container used, intended for use, or designated for use in storing, concealing, or distributing controlled substances.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

A student who on school grounds, during a school session, or anywhere at a school-sponsored activity demonstrates signs of being under the influence of, possesses, uses, and/or dispenses controlled substances, illegal drugs or alcohol, shall be subject to discipline pursuant to the procedures outlined below.

School personnel are forbidden to act in a law enforcement capacity.  All individuals suspected of drug or alcohol distribution on school property or at a school-sponsored activity must be reported to the principal or designee, who, after determining that possession, use or distribution has occurred, will call law enforcement officials.  In all cases the schools will cooperate with the police.

First Violation:

Any student found to be in violation of this policy for the first time will receive a minimum 5-day out-of-school suspension with possible referral to the Board of Education for expulsion. Additional referrals will include parents, guidance counselor and an appropriate agency licensed to evaluate and assist drug/alcohol involved individuals.  In the case of possession or distribution, law enforcement officials will be notified.  The sale of drugs or controlled substances listed in CGS 219-243 shall be punishable by a recommendation to the Board of Education for expulsion.  (See comment appropriate to expulsion in the section under third violation.)

Upon completion of suspension, a meeting of school administrator, school nurse, guidance counselor, student and parent(s)/guardians to discuss school's drug policy and after-care programs will take place.

Second Violation:

Any student found to be in violation of this policy for the second time will receive a 10 day out-of-school suspension with possible referral to the Board of Education for expulsion. Additional referrals will include parents, guidance counselor and an appropriate agency licensed to evaluate and assist drug/alcohol involved individuals.  In the case of possession or distribution, law enforcement officials will be notified.

Upon completion of suspension, a meeting of school administrator, guidance counselor, student and parent(s)/guardians to discuss school's drug policy and after-care programs will take place.

Third Violation:

Any student found to be in violation of this policy for the third time will receive a 10 day out-of-school suspension. The police will be notified immediately and the student will be recommended to the Board of Education for expulsion from all school privileges pursuant to Section 10-233d(a)-(e) of the Connecticut General Statutes.  Whenever a student is expelled for the sale or distribution of drugs or alcohol, the student will be referred for counseling and rehabilitation. The name of the student will be sent to the Commissioner of Education within thirty days after the student is expelled.  Whenever the Board of Education notifies a student age sixteen or older or the parents or guardians of such students that an expulsion hearing will be held, the notification will include a statement that the Board is not required to offer an alternative education opportunity to any student who is found guilty of offering for sale or distribution alcohol or controlled drugs on school property or at a school sponsored activity.

DISCLOSURE OF DRUG, ALCOHOL OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Voluntary Disclosure:

If a student voluntarily tells a staff member of a drug, alcohol, or substance abuse problem:

A.  A staff member who is informed of a drug, alcohol, or substance abuse problem may, at the insistence of the student, maintain the confidence within the limits of his/her professional code of ethics and in consistency with the laws of confidentiality.  The staff member must, however, make every effort to guide the student to the kind of help he/she needs.

B.  A staff member may, without disclosing the name of the student, obtain advice and

information on the resources available to the student and himself/herself refer the student to appropriate local resources.

C.  If the student will allow disclosure of the drug, alcohol, or substance abuse problem, the staff member will report to the building principal, or designee.

D.  The building principal, or designee will, upon confirmation of an alcohol, drug, or substance abuse problem by a student less than eighteen years of age, hold a conference with all   involved parties.  Corrective plans will be developed with the cooperation and consent of the parents and the student.  The parents will be given a written copy of the conference minutes and recommendations for corrective plans.

E.  Copies of the conference minutes and corrective plans will be kept in the designee's professional file.

F.  The professional designee will maintain contact with the student and his/her family regarding the problem.

G.  The building principal or designee will in all cases be informed of all activity relative to confirmation and aiding the student to solve his/her alcohol, drug, or substance abuse problem.

H.  A professional employee who obtains physical evidence in the form of alcohol, drugs, or illegal substances voluntarily surrendered by a student must turn the evidence over to the school principal immediately.  The professional employee is not required to disclose the name of the student from whom the evidence was obtained.

Involuntary Disclosure:

When information relative to drug, alcohol, or substance abuse is brought to the attention of the school staff member or obtained through routine school activity, such information is considered as obtained through involuntary disclosure and matters of confidentiality do not apply.

If a staff member has knowledge of an alcohol, drug, or substance abuse problem:

A.  The staff member will report the information immediately to the building principal or his/her designee.

B.  Staff members who obtain physical evidence in the form of alcohol or drugs from a student are required to turn the evidence over the school principal immediately.  The professional employee must disclose the name of the student from who the evidence was obtained.

Search of students' lockers, desks, or other depositories is covered by Board of Education policy.  Under the rules of the Board of Education, as authorized by Section 10-221 of the General Statutes for the maintenance of discipline in the school, an authorized school administrator may search a student's locker, desk or other depositories under any one of three conditions:

1.  The probable presence of contraband materials poses a serious threat to the maintenance of discipline and order in the school.

2.  There is reason to believe one or more students have contraband materials in desks, lockers or other depositories.

3.  The students have been informed in advance that, under school board regulations, desks, lockers or other depositories may be inspected if the administration has reason to suspect that materials injurious to the best interests of the school are kept on school property.

Any controlled drug or alcoholic beverage surrendered by a student or obtained through a search of lockers, desks or other depositories is to be turned over to the school principal or designee.  The principal or designee will, within three days of its receipt, surrender the drugs or alcohol to appropriate law enforcement officials.

Students found in possession and/or use of a controlled drug or alcohol in school or on school property are subject to arrest.  In the event that a student is arrested, the building principal or designee will attempt to contact the parent prior to calling the police and inform them of the potential arrest.

Any law enforcement official who questions a student or staff member will do so in the presence of the building principal or designee.  Every effort will be made to include the parents or guardian of the student in hearings which carry an implication of the possible allegation of guilt or the furnishing of information leading to an indictment.  The student's right to remain silent or to speak through an attorney or parent will not be abridged.

Students found in possession and/or use of a controlled drug or alcohol will be subject to disciplinary action as stated previously in this policy.

Upon their return to school, students suspended from school for possession and/or use of a controlled drug or alcohol are required to meet with the building principal or designee along with the student's parents or guardian, a guidance counselor, and school nurse.  Corrective plans will be recommended and the parents notified in writing at the time of the suspension.  Arrangements for further follow-up will be made.

The counselor or department of student services mental health professional will maintain contact with the student and his/her family regarding the problem.

EMERGENCIES

If a student's condition or behavior creates an emergency situation which may be due to drug or alcohol activity, the actions toward the student should be channeled through the school nurse under the direction of the principal or designee.

A professional staff person perceiving a student to be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances will immediately notify the principal and the school nurse giving all pertinent information.  Written records of the incident will be kept in the principal's confidential file.

The school nurse will advise the school principal of the severity of the emergency.

1.  If it is determined that a student under the influence of drugs or alcohol is in need of immediate medical attention, the student will be transported to an area hospital and the parent notified.

2.  If immediate medical attention is not required the parent or guardian will be called and asked to take the student home.  Students treated for emergencies related to alcohol or drug abuse will be subject to disciplinary action as stated previously in this policy.

Upon return to school, students suspended from school for possession and/or use of a controlled drug or alcohol are required to meet with the student's parents or guardians, a guidance counselor, and school nurse.  Corrective plans will be recommended and the parents notified in writing at the time of suspension.  Arrangements for further follow-up contact will be made.

In the event that a student is hospitalized for alcohol, drug, or substance abuse related problems, a referral will be made to the Somers Support Team to develop an action plan and/or determine eligibility for special education or related services.  The team will convene to develop a plan as appropriate.  The Board of Education will assume legitimate costs.

The student will remain on the plan until such time as a medical opinion, and the Somers Support Team conclude it is no longer necessary.  Readmission to schools will be made on the basis of an assessment by the Somers Support Team or P.P.T. as appropriate and confirmed by the student's medical or psychiatric consultant(s).

INSTRUCTION

The professional staff shall become more aware of the problem, and become more expert in recognition of the symptoms of such use.  Annually, teachers in each grade shall emphasize the effect of alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, and drugs on health, character, and personality development wherever appropriate in the health education program and such other contexts which touch on the subject.

It is desired that the administration make use of in-service training sessions for both certified and non-certified staff in order to achieve the goals of this board-adopted regulation, and that full cooperation with community agencies be given wherever such cooperation can work to the advantage of the student.

Adopted:  January 14, 1991

Revised:  December 5, 2006

   ADMIN. REG.: 5131.6

Consequences for Drug/Alcohol Use and/or Possession

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities

Students in violation of the substance abuse policy will have a meeting with parents, coach, athletic manager/director and principal in order to review consequences.

During out of school suspension, students may not participate in any school activity.  Terms of suspension from athletics and extracurricular activities will begin concurrently with out of school suspension. 

First Offense

  Two-week (14 day) suspension of scheduled games, scrimmages and all other extracurricular activities

  Participate in practices and attend games out of uniform, after serving out of school suspension.

  Meet with designated school personnel to discuss the risks involved in such behavior before returning to scrimmages, games or extracurricular activities

  For violation of CIAC Performance-Enhancing Substances policy 4.15.I, student shall be declared ineligible for CIAC-controlled activities for 180 school days on each occurrence.

Second Offense

  Six-week (42 day) suspension of scheduled games, scrimmages and all other extracurricular activities

  Participate in practices and attend games out of uniform after serving out of school suspension.

  Meet with designated school personnel to discuss the risks involved in such behavior before returning to scrimmages, games or extracurricular activities

  For violation of CIAC Performance-Enhancing Substances policy 4.15.I, student shall be declared ineligible for CIAC-controlled activities for 180 school days on each occurrence.

Third Offense

  Suspension from the interscholastic athletic program and all extracurricular activities for one calendar year (180 school days)

  No practices, games, or other team/extracurricular activity functions

  For violation of CIAC Performance-Enhancing Substances policy 4.15.I, student shall be declared ineligible for CIAC-controlled activities for 180 school days on each occurrence.

If the athlete’s period of ineligibility extends beyond his or her current season, consequences will be exacted in the next season in which the athlete participates. The carryover period will not exceed one calendar year from the date of the offense.

These consequences will apply to in season participants. Any athlete that is not currently in season or any extracurricular activity not currently running, consequences will only be administered per BoE/Administrative Regulation policy.

This policy is in effect for violations that occur on or off school grounds. Any additional penalties to the above policy made by an individual coach must be pre-approved by the athletic manager and the Building Principal.

6/25/08

   ADMIN. REG:  5131.6

SOMERS HIGH SCHOOL

NO-SMOKING REGULATIONS

  *Smoking Materials include any tobacco/nicotine products, matches, or a lighter

**May be In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension

1/6/99

12/5/06 Reviewed