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JICH-R Student Drug Use

STUDENT DRUG USE - GUIDELINES

Students are prohibited from attending school or school-sponsored events after consuming, or while under the influence of, any unauthorized mood-altering chemical. They are prohibited from possessing, distributing, or consuming alcohol or illicit drugs while on school property at school functions, or on a school transportation. Any student who violates this policy will be considered to be involved with drugs and/or alcohol in a potentially harmful manner and will be automatically referred for further action according to the following procedure.

A. On the first offense:

  1. The appropriate administrator will notify the parent/guardian of the student’s involvement. Consequences for this behavior will range from 3-7 days of out of school suspension based on the individual circumstances of the offense. Students who are deemed to be under the influence of any illegal substances will first be evaluated by the nurse or the administrator and then released to the parents. If their condition is deemed serious, an ambulance will be called. If not, the parent/guardian will be responsible for arranging transportation home. If parents or a relative cannot be reached, additional support such as the police or medical staff may be involved. Additional consequences such as social probation may be included as part of the consequences. (Social probation is defined as not being allowed to take part in or attend activities beyond the academic classroom.)

    On returning to regular classes after in-school suspension or suspension, the student shall be referred to their appropriate school counselor. Students will complete an age-appropriate assessment with their school team and the team will collaborate with the students’ family or guardians to provide support.

B. On the second offense:

  1. The appropriate administrator will notify the parent/guardian of the student involvement. The student will be suspension for up to 10 days. Parents/guardians are responsible for transporting their student home if the student is suspended. The students’ team will meet to discuss any additional support needed for the student which will include information gathered from various sources (teachers, school social worker, etc.). The school may collaborate with an outside agency in order to provide comprehensive support if needed. Consequences could also include additional social probation. (Social probation is defined as not being allowed to take part or attend activities beyond the academic classroom.)

C. On the third or subsequent offense:

  1. The student will automatically be suspended by the principal pending an expulsion hearing by the board. Re-entry to school will be contingent upon satisfactory evidence of successful completion of treatment recommendations as verified by the treatment agency and the school counselor and principal. The student must give some indication that the behavior which was the cause of the student being expelled will not recur. Only the Board can re-enroll an expelled student upon satisfying treatment plan conditions with Superintendent's recommendation for re-admittance.

D. Miscellaneous points:

  1. All cases of possession, sale, or transfer of illegal drugs, alcohol, and/or unauthorized mood-altering chemicals will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency. All alcohol, drugs, unauthorized mood-altering chemicals, and related paraphernalia confiscated will be turned over to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
  2. When a student breaks social probation, further consequences will arise.
  3. A clinical meeting will be held for any student requiring in-patient treatment to recommend tutoring or alternative educational plan while the student is in treatment. To help re-entry to the school community, the appropriate support group will be identified with well-articulated interventions.
  4. It is understood that all information gathered in the assessment and self- referral process will be treated in a confidential manner adhering to practical and legal considerations. Bath Middle School, Woolwich Middle School, and Morse High School will establish committees and involve appropriate community agencies and providers as needed. The principals will develop this team.

Legal Reference: 21 USC § 812 (Controlled Substances Act) 21 CFR Part 1300.11-15 P.L. 101-226 (Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989) 17-A MRSA § 1101 42 USC § 290dd-2 42 CFR § 2.1 et seq. 20-A MRSA §§ 1001(9); 4008

First Reading: January 20, 2009 Adopted: March 16, 2009 Revised: August 16, 2010; November 24, 2025

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