8310 Substance Abuse Prevention and Discipline

Students/Discipline

Use of alcohol and drugs by students poses a serious threat to society, to the students themselves, and to the educational process. The relationship between drug use and crime is evident in a Bureau of Justice Statistics report (Beck and others 1987) stating that nearly half of juveniles in correctional facilities committed their offenses while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drug and alcohol abuse is also linked with dropping out of school, depression, suicide, and violence.  An environment that supports students in resisting substance abuse in one in which they feel connected.  Schools should strive to make all students feel a part of the group, that they belong and have a relationship to the school.

Also of direct concern to educators is the effect of drugs on student learning.  Scientific research has shown that many drugs, even when taken in small doses, can cause permanent damage to the learning centers of the brain-damage which increases with increased drug use. Indirectly, a school environment in which drug use is widespread can also affect the learning of non-using students.

Substance-abuse policy makes a public statement that educators are aware of and concerned about the problem. Policy can express the intent and beliefs of school and community and their resolve to work toward a solution. It establishes long-range goals and sets an overall tone that will support specific actions.

A district policy helps maintain consistency in prevention and intervention efforts and promotes fair, uniform treatment of students at different schools. It guides the development of site-specific procedures and ensures program continuity if a key building administrator should depart. In addition, recent legislation requires schools to possess comprehensive substance-abuse prevention policies and programs in order to be eligible for federal funding.

I.      The South Kingstown School Department strongly opposes the illegal use of drugs and alcohol by our students because it is:

·       Clearly prohibited by law;

·       Lethal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;

·       Detrimental to academic and extracurricular performance;

·       A cause for disruptive, violent behavior that can create an unsafe environment for our students;

·       A potential cause for a connection by our students with a criminal subculture characterized by violence and harsh jail terms, and

·       A serious health threat.

II.     School policy intends to:

·       Support healthy lifestyle choices;

·       Support students and families in maintaining or entering a lifestyle free of substance abuse;

·       Establish consequences that will deter any student who considers illegal use of alcohol or drugs while preparing to participate or while participating in school activities;

·       Maintain a safe school environment free from the illegal use of alcohol or drugs;

·       Help students make decisions about drugs and alcohol that promote emotional and physical health as well as academic success, and

·       Support students and families in obtaining help to end students’ alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse.

III.    The following breaches of conduct on school property, school transportation or at any school sponsored activity will lead to consideration of suspension or expulsion:

1.      Unauthorized possession, selling or consumption in the school, on school grounds, or at a school activity regardless of location, of dangerous drugs, narcotics, tobacco, or alcoholic beverages. Coming to school under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also cause for suspension or expulsion.  Dangerous drugs or narcotics shall mean any controlled drug as defined in R.I. General Statutes, classified generally as amphetamine type, barbiturate type, cannabis type, cocaine type, hallucinogenic, morphine type, and other stimulant and depressant drugs; and in addition, those substances known as Methaqualone. ~Unauthorized use or possession of such substances shall mean use or possession without a valid prescription;

2.      The selling of dangerous drugs in this article shall be the cause for an automatic request for expulsion (long-term suspension) by the principal.

3.      Students are prohibited from possessing any tobacco products in school facilities, on the immediate school grounds, or at any school activity, regardless of location.

IV.     Additional components of school policy:

1.      A period of probation may restrict the student from participation in activities (e.g. extracurricular), may require the student's participation in activities (e.g. counseling, drug screening), or may involve both restriction and participation. Probation begins when administrators confirm the violation.  Such probation shall not exceed three (3) months for a first offense, or the remainder of the school year for additional offenses.  The administration may develop proportional alternatives to this policy element.  The implementation of such alternatives shall not be based, however, by what is convenient, palatable, or of lesser impact to the offender.  Such alternatives shall be based on what would constitute a more effective deterrent and learning consequence for the student.

2.      Teachers and staff are empowered to confiscate any substance covered by this policy. Such items are contraband and will not be returned to the student.

3.      There shall be no use of tobacco products allowed by students, employees or visitors in vehicles, facilities or on the immediate grounds occupied by the South Kingstown School Department.  

4.      In addition to the consequences outlined in this policy, the following actions shall be taken in an effort to intervene.

o       A review of the student’s school progress is done to discern an emerging or present record of poor or diminishing school performance.

o       Students suspended or expelled for alcohol or drug abuse shall be referred to a professional experienced in substance abuse treatment that may or may not be a direct part of the school community.  The more chronic and serious the concern, the more assertive the school should be in seeking to have the referral acted upon by the student and family.

o       The student’s parents are called in to meet with school officials to review the student’s status and situation and to discuss any necessary intervention planning.   Such planning will include the utilization of community resources that can be brought to bear.

V.      System Initiatives – In addition to actions related to individuals, the school department will undertake the following initiatives in support of healthy lifestyle choices and supporting students and families in maintaining or entering a lifestyle free of substance abuse.

1.      Education related to substance abuse prevention will be part of the school curriculum at all levels: elementary, middle, and secondary.

2.      The district and schools will seek to form alliances with community groups and agencies to address the needs of students and families in need of support in dealing with substance abuse.  Such alliances may constitute or be part of interventions and consequences for students who violate this policy.

3.      The district and schools may undertake actions that communicate the importance of this policy and have a deterrent effect.  Examples of such actions are breathalyzer screenings at school activities and school sweeps for drug detection.

4.      The district and schools will communicate with the community regarding efforts in combating substance abuse and role the community can play in supporting its efforts.

5.      The district will create an assessment of its progress in combating substance abuse and provide schools with guidance in creating their own progress measurement.

Adopted revision: 11/14/06