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Discipline Substance
Abuse Policy Overview Elementary
schools have the potential for changing the direction and impact of
substance abuse in this country. It
is during elementary school that children can best learn the facts about
substance abuse, learn and practice decision making and refusal
techniques, and develop the skills, attitudes, and Christian values
needed to cope with the challenges of life.
Children who use drugs typically have their first experience
between the grades 4 and 8, about the same time many of them are
beginning to challenge parental and institutional norms with those of
their peers. Because this
age group is so vulnerable, it is mandatory that they have a solid base
of knowledge and values as well as an environment both at home and at
school which precludes the use of drugs. While no "drug problem" exists at St. Anne Roman Catholic Grade School, it is recognized that our children grow up in a society where such problems are rampant. To have even one family fall victim to the results of substance abuse is not only a personal loss, but also one that is shared by the community and which puts all other children at greater risk. Policy In
order to assist families in preventing any drug use, St. Anne Roman
Catholic Grade School
will provide information which will help to educate the students about
drugs, their harmful effects, and how to avoid their use. All such efforts will emphasize exclusively the "no
use" message. Premises 2.
All students have a right to attend school in an environment conducive
to learning. Since alcohol
and drug use interferes with both effective learning and the healthy
environment of children, the school has a fundamental legal, ethical,
and moral obligation to maintain a drug free educational environment. 3.
Given the extensive use and the formal and informal promotion of
alcohol, tobacco, and drugs in our society, the school has an obligation
to provide education which will help students resist this temptation. 4.
Drug education must be based on accurate and scientifically valid
information concerning the hazards of drugs. 5.
Drug use is illegal. 6.
The initial use of any drug is usually casual and naive, most often
having been provided by peer or family member. 7.
Children and adolescents are significantly more susceptible to the
physical and psychological effects of drugs than are adults. 8.
Chemical dependence is a progressive disease.
Dependent persons usually do not get better on their own. 9.
The use of drugs one time predisposes a person to try again and to
encourage others to share the experience. 10. A legitimate program to combat drug use must not include reference to such things as "responsible use", "freedom of choice", or "individual rights". Enforcement "possession"
- implies that a student has on his person, within his personal
property, or under his control a banned substance or paraphernalia
associated with drug use. "drug
use" - refers to all illegal substances (including alcohol and
nicotine which are illegal for school-age children), to any legal
medications without a physician's authorization, and to any other
substance being misused to cause a psychoactive effect.
"Look alikes" or items which are represented to be
illegal substances will also violate this policy. "distribution"
- includes the passing - or offering to pass - a banned substance to
another student, whether for consideration or not.
The possession of substantial quantities or quantities packaged
for sale can be considered distribution. 1.
Students shall be required to adhere to the drug use policy from the
time they have left their parents' jurisdiction until they return to
same. This includes the
time spent at bus stops, traveling to and from school, and throughout
the school day. Students
are also liable before and after normal school hours, including
weekends, when involved in any school-sponsored extracurricular
activities - whether at school or otherwise - and representing the
school. 2.
All suspected violations of the drug use policy shall be referred to and
handled by the principal and/or associate principal. 3.
Students who initiate a request for assistance due to their drug use are
assured that their self-referral will be treated in confidence and that
no school sanctions will be invoked. 4.
If a student is suspected of possessing or using drugs in violation of
school policy:
5.
If a student is suspected of distributing drugs in violation of school
policy:
6. All areas of the school including desks and lockers are the property of the school and may be inspected at any time. School officials may institute a search of a student and his/her personal property if there are "reasonable grounds" to believe that such search will prove that the student has violated the law or school rules.
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Detention
& Forfeits
Harassment
Suspension
Expulsion
Weapons
Substance Abuse
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parents will be immediately contacted
