Avery County Schools Policy Policy Code: 4325

DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

Unauthorized or illegal drugs and alcohol are a threat to safe and orderly schools and will not be tolerated.

PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR

Students are prohibited from possessing, using, transmitting, selling or being under the influence of any of the following substances:

    Χ       narcotic drugs;
    Χ       hallucinogenic drugs;
    Χ       amphetamines;
    Χ       barbiturates;
    Χ       marijuana or any other controlled substance;
    Χ       any alcoholic beverage, malt beverage or fortified wine or other intoxicating
            liquor; or
    Χ       any chemicals or products procured or used with the intention of bringing about a
            state of exhilaration or euphoria or of otherwise altering the student’s mood or
            behavior.

Students also are prohibited from possessing, using, transmitting or selling drug paraphernalia or counterfeit (fake) drugs. Students may not in any way participate in the selling or transmitting of prohibited substances, regardless of whether the sale or transmission ultimately occurs on school property. Beepers and portable phones may not be used by students unless specifically authorized by the principal.

Possession or use of prescription and over the counter drugs are not in violation of this policy if possessed and used in accordance with board policy 6125, Administering Medicines to Students. The principal may authorize other lawful uses of substances otherwise prohibited by this policy, such as for approved school projects.

CONSEQUENCES

As required by board policy 4345, Criminal Behavior, the principal must report to the appropriate law enforcement agency any student who has used or possessed the substances prohibited by this policy. In addition, school sanctions will be as outlined below.

Kindergarten and Elementary Schools

Principals in the elementary grades are expected to use good judgment and reasonable discretion in applying board policies and in determining the appropriate consequences for violation of board policies, school standards or rules.

Avery County Schools Policy Code: 4325 Page 1 of 2 Middle and High Schools

An appropriate consequence for a student who has been found to have sold or otherwise transmitted prohibited substances is presumed to be suspension for the remainder of the school year. Depending upon the circumstances, a student may be permanently expelled (see board policy 4353, Long-Term Suspension, 365 Days Suspension, Expulsion). The superintendent may assign the student to an alternative program if he or she believes that it is in the student’s best interest, the alternative placement is appropriate and placement of the student will not jeopardize the safe and orderly environment of the alternative placement. If an alternative consequence is approved, the superintendent must document the basis for the alternative consequence. Any other violation of this policy may result in long-term suspension up to the remainder of the school year or expulsion.

The principal must notify the superintendent of all violations of this policy and recommend appropriate consequences. In making the recommendation to the superintendent, the principal must provide an assessment of whether any available services, such as school counseling services, an alternative school, substance abuse programs or programs provided by other agencies, would assist the student and whether any services should be a part of the consequence.

The superintendent or superintendent’s designee must approve any consequence for violations of this policy, including any recommendations for suspension or expulsion. A student re-entering school following treatment for substance abuse should be identified by the school as highly at- risk and provided a transition/support plan developed collaboratively by staff, parent(s) and, when appropriate, the student. The transition/support plan must include periodic monitoring. The superintendent is responsible for ensuring that this policy is fairly applied throughout the school district.

Legal References: G.S. 18B-301; 20-11(n1); ch. 90, art. 5; 115C-47, -288, -307, -390, -391

Cross References: Student Behavior Policies (policy 4300), Criminal Behavior (policy 4335), Administering Medicine to Students (policy 6125)

Adopted: 12-03-01

Revised: 10/6/08

Avery County Schools Policy Code: 4325 Page 2 of 2