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Policy Title: |
Student Substance Use and Abuse Intervention Procedures |
Policy ID: |
Purpose of Procedures: provide a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment and promote safe choices in accordance with the Student Alcohol and Drugs Policy.
Implementation of Procedures: The following procedures will be implemented throughout the Hartford School District (See policy for definitions):
School staff will immediately report any suspected violation of the Hartford Drug and Alcohol policy to an administrator who will investigate and take appropriate action as outlined in this procedure. Any action taken in exception to these procedures will be explained in a written report to the superintendent.
Depending on the severity of the offense, the administrator may skip one or more steps in the list below and impose a more severe penalty - subject to the above requirement to submit a written report to the superintendent.
All disciplinary measures taken in accordance with this procedure will comply with due process requirements. In addition to the steps below, the district reserves the right to work with law enforcement - again subject to the above requirement to submit a written report to the superintendent.
1. Disciplinary Action:
Students who are found to be in the company of those who violate the policy may be subject to the same penalties if there is compelling evidence that they are engaging in the same behavior. Offenses will be cumulative if occurring within a three year period.
Students under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
First Offense
A. The student will be treated as an ill student and the parents will be notified. If the the student is sufficiently incapacitated or in distress the matter may be handled as a medical emergency.
B. The student will be suspended for three days.
C. The student will be referred to the school’s substance abuse team.
Second Offense
A. The student will be treated as an ill student and the parents will be notified. If the the student is sufficiently incapacitated or in distress the matter may be handled as a medical emergency.
B. The Student will be suspended for five days.
C.The student will be referred to the school’s substance abuse team to determine if participation in a substance abuse treatment program is warranted.
D. Failure to comply with an order to participate in a substance abuse treatment program may result in the student being suspended from school for an additional ten (10) days.
Third Offense or Later Offenses
A. The student will be treated as an ill student and the parents will be notified. If the the student is sufficiently incapacitated or in distress the matter may be handled as a medical emergency.
B. Police shall be notified.
C. The student will be suspended from school for ten (10) days and will be referred to the Superintendent for a determination if a long-term suspension or expulsion is appropriate.
Students in possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, and/or look-alike substances
When students are found in possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, and/or look-alike substances, the substance(s) will be confiscated and secured. Substances will be turned over to law enforcement as outlined in the District’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and parents will be notified. 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 distributing alcohol and/or drugs
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.
D. The student may be recommended to the Board for long-term suspension or expulsion.
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 notify an administrator or counselor who will identify a school professional (counselor or SAP) to reach out to the student and his/her family to express concern and offer support and educational materials.
Co-Curricular Activities
Students who violate the School District's policy on alcohol and drugs while they are participating in a co-curricular activity, are subject to additional disciplinary actions as defined in the school's co-curricular participation rules outlined in the school handbook.
2. Rehabilitative Action
The Substance Abuse Team will meet to develop a plan for rehabilitative action. Students felt to be in need of further education or counseling will be referred to the appropriate program(s) or person(s) within the school. Students felt to be in need of counseling beyond that which can be provided by the school shall be referred to appropriate community agencies. The Hartford School District will not be financially responsible for services provided by community agencies.
3. Sanctuary Response
Sanctuary is a non-disciplinary approach to substance use. Sanctuary focuses solely on support and rehabilitation in lieu of discipline. That said, sanctuary does not protect the student from disciplinary consequences on a repeated basis or if an investigation by administrator has already begun. A student claiming sanctuary should expect the following:
Any student who has concern regarding his or her own safety or that of another student under the influence of drugs or alcohol, may request sanctuary from any administrator or teacher.
The teacher and subsequently the district will respond with health and safety first in mind, following emergency first aid procedures as needed.
The concerned student who brings a fellow student will not be liable for expulsion, and his or her identity will remain confidential. The student who is brought will be granted sanctuary as well.
4. Emergency First Aid Procedures
Teachers/staff are not responsible for evaluating the health and well-being of a student who is suspected of being under the influence but they are responsible for accessing administration and/or health care services as follows:
In the event that a student is suspected to be under the influence of substances, staff should contact an administrator who will call the nurse as needed.
In the event the student suspected of being under the influence is ill, staff will escort the student to the nurse or, as needed, call the nurse for assistance.
If a student is unconscious, the staff should call 9-1-1 and notify the nurse and an administrator immediately.