The Alcester-Hudson School
Board recognizes its share of the responsibility for the health, welfare and safety of the students who attend school in the Alcester-Hudson School District. Alcohol and other drug use is wrong and harmful and can interfere with a student's ability to learn and function responsibly in the school setting and the community. Anything that can interfere with the development of an adolescent, therefore, must be evaluated as to its impact on both the young person and the community. Psychoactive and mood- altering drugs can destroy the health and well-being of an individual. The Alcester-Hudson School District recognizes alcohol and/or other drug use as a serious health problem and is committed to discouraging this behavior and to encouraging young people to choose a drug-free lifestyle and to seek help should a problem arise.
As educators, we recognize that chemical use (alcohol and other drugs) has become a serious problem in our country. We accept our obligation to establish a positive environment in which these problems can be presented through a comprehensive school drug-free program and be addressed locally in a helpful and supportive, rather than punitive way. One of our goals is to prevent all drug and alcohol use by students.
Accomplishing this goal, we realize will entail training teachers, counselors, and other staff members to educate themselves and the community about the impact of drug use. Other goals are to teach staff to identify indicators of alcohol and/or other drug use problems and to know what resources are available to address these problems if they are observed. The administration recognizes that the problems with alcohol and/or other drug use is a school and community issue. Therefore, we are committed to cooperating with agencies and community groups that address these issues.
The information outlines the policy on student use of alcohol and other drugs in the Alcester-Hudson School District: This policy is in effect on premises owned, leased or maintained by the school district, at all school-related activities on and off campus, on vehicles used to transport students to and from school or at other activities and in vehicles parked on school property. Students and parents/guardians are expected to know and understand the policy provisions and its mandatory nature. A copy of the policy will be provided to all students and parents.
“A student shall not possess, use, distribute, transfer, conceal, sell, attempt to sell, deliver, give, exchange or be under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, narcotics, dangerous or illegal chemical substances. This includes tobacco, nicotine delivery devices, e-cigarettes and vaping
devices. Students shall not engage in alcohol and/or other drug use/abuse, nor possess paraphernalia specific to the use of alcohol and/or other drugs. Students who use prescription drugs or medical cannabis authorized by a licensed physician do not violate this policy if the students
conform to the prescription and appropriate school policies.”
A. DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES: The following procedures will be used in dealing with possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol and other drugs not including tobacco, nicotine delivery devices, e-cigarettes and vaping devices. State and federal regulations regarding special education students will be followed.
First Offense:
1. The administration will notify the parent(s)/guardians(s) and schedule a conference;
2. The administration shall suspend the student for ten (10) days in compliance with student due process procedures;
3. The administration shall notify available law enforcement authorities;
The Alcester-Hudson School District recommends that students with alcohol or other drug abuse problems seek professional assessment from a trained chemical dependency counselor or a licensed physician trained in chemical dependency. Because we believe that chemical dependency is preceded by misuse, we feel confident that such early intervention can benefit the student before significant harm or dependency results.
The suspension of a student who completes a drug/alcohol assessment from a certified or licensed addition counselor or a licensed physician trained in chemical dependency and recommended program, if any, will be commuted to three (3) days, provided the assessment and program are completed, unless good cause is shown to and approved by the administration, within twenty (20) school days. Fees for this assessment and treatment are the responsibility of the student and family.
Upon receipt of appropriate authorization, the agency or professional will notify the school administration in writing that the student has been evaluated and to comply successfully, completed any recommended treatment program.
Second Offense:
1. The administration will contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) and schedule a conference.
2. The administration shall notify available law enforcement authorities.
3. The administration shall suspend for ten (10) days in compliance with student due process procedures.
A long-term suspension hearing shall be scheduled before the school board pursuant to due process rules for long-term suspension. The administration will recommend to the school board that the student be suspended for ninety (90) school days. The ninety (90) day suspension for a second offense may be reduced to ten (10) school days if the student completes an accredited intensive prevention or treatment program. Fees for this assessment and/or treatment are the responsibility of the student and family.
Subsequent Offenses:
1. The administration will contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) and schedule a conference.
2. The administration shall notify available law enforcement authorities.
3. The administration shall suspend for ten (10) days in compliance with student due process procedures.
4. An expulsion hearing shall be scheduled before the school board pursuant to due process rules for expulsion. The administration will recommend to the school board that the student be expelled.
B. Distributing (supplying free or selling) Alcohol and Other Drugs or Material Represented to be a Controlled Substance - (all occurrences):
1. The administration will contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) and schedule a conference.
2. The administration shall notify available law enforcement authorities.
3. The administration shall suspend for ten (10) days in compliance with student due process procedures.
4. A long-term suspension hearing shall be scheduled before the school board pursuant to due process rules for long-term suspension. The administration will recommend to the school board that the student be suspended for up to ninety (90) school days.
5. A second offense for distributing alcohol or drugs shall result in an expulsion hearing being scheduled before the school board and the administration will recommend the student be expelled for one year.
6. State and federal regulations regarding special education students will be followed.
SMOKING/VAPING DEVICES: Student use or possession of tobacco products, vaping devices or any nicotine delivery device are not allowed in the school building or on school premises at any time. This rule applies to any Alcester-Hudson School function whether it be a home event or an away event.
The following procedures will be used in dealing with possession, use, or being under the influence of tobacco, nicotine delivery devices, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices. State and federal regulations regarding special education students will be followed.
First Offense:
1. The administration will notify the parent(s)/guardians(s) and schedule a conference.
2. The administration shall notify available law enforcement authorities.
3. The administration shall suspend the student for two (2) days in compliance with student due process procedures.
Subsequent Offenses:
1. The administration will contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) and schedule a conference.
2. The administration shall notify available law enforcement authorities.
3. The administration may suspend the student for five (5) days in compliance with student due process procedures.
