DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO
AND CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES
The
Students
are prohibited from possessing, consuming or distributing drugs or alcohol in
any form while at school, in co-curricular and extra-curricular programs, on
school grounds, attending a school-related function on or off campus, and when
coming to and going from school. Students
are further prohibited from smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products
in any form in school buildings/grounds.
In
accordance with NJSA 18A:40A Article 2 and NJAC 6A:16, students suspected of
being “under the influence” shall be subject to medical examination.
When the medical examination is conducted by a physician selected by
the parent, the examination shall be at the expense of the parent and shall
not be at the expense of the district board of education, NJAC 6A:16-4.3.
In order to insure that all students receive the required physical
examination and lab testing, the
In establishing this Policy, Kearny Public Schools will have programs and procedures developed and implemented for the purpose of assisting students who experience drug or alcohol use. It is the school’s intention to use the disciplinary sanctions of this Policy as a means of helping students recover from the debilitating effects of alcohol and other drug use. It is in this spirit that the development and enforcement of this Policy is intended.
Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Dangerous
Substances File Code: 5131.63
Page 2
PROCEDURES
DEFINITION
OF TERMS USED
NJSA
18A:40A-9
The terms listed below are used throughout this Policy and will have the following meanings unless otherwise specified
Substances
- any drug or alcoholic beverage, including prescribed medications.
Abuse - the use of mood altering or
performance enhancing substances for other than medical purposes, as directed
by a physician.
Drugs - any chemical substance taken
orally, intravenously, intramuscularly, or inhaled for the purpose of altering
mood or performance .
Alcohol - any beverage containing a percentage of alcohol which is prohibited from sale and/or possession by individuals under 21 years of age
Performance Enhancing Substances - over
the counter, prescription, and illicit drugs used for the purpose of improving
athletic performance, including anabolic steroids.
Tobacco - any substance or product which
may be consumed by smoking, chewing or inhaling which contains a form of
tobacco leaves and nicotine.
Experimentation - when an individual
appears to be using substances without any apparent physical or psychological
dependency, deterioration in behavior, grades or attendance.
Chemically Dependent - when an
individual’s use of drugs and alcohol indicates any or all of the following:
physical or psychological dependency, deterioration in some or all of the
following: grades; attendance; physical appearance; or behavior.
Student Assistance Coordinator - Student Assistance Coordinator in grades 9 through 12; Guidance Counselor in grades K through 8, provides counseling, information, and referral services for students and significant others with alcohol or other drug problems
Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Dangerous
Substances File Code:
5131.63 Page 3
Intervention and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE Team
Each school shall institute a Intervention and Referral Service
(PAC)/CORE team to include an administrator, member of the Child Study Team,
nurse, SAC and/or counselor and at least one teacher.
This team shall:
1.
Review drug/alcohol referrals
2.
Accept and assess student behavior checklist
3.
Notify parents when indicated
4.
Provide support and guidance to classroom teachers
5.
Plan for appropriate intervention for/with the student
PART
I - STUDENTS SUSPECTED OF HAVING INGESTED OR BEING
UNDER
THE INFLUENCE OF SUBSTANCES DURING
SCHOOL HOURS OR ATTENDING A SCHOOL SPONSORED
FUNCTION
A.
FIRST OFFENSE
Any staff member to whom it appears that a student may be currently
under the influence of alcohol or other drugs on school property or at a
school function shall report the matter as soon as possible to the school
principal/designee and the school nurse. The
student is to be escorted to a confidential and inconspicuous location
where the youngster will be supervised.
Reporting suspected cases - In conformance with NJAC 6A:16, STAFF
MEMBER MUST IMMEDIATELY report any student exhibiting behavior, or a
pattern of behavior, or whose physical condition is consistent with the signs
and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol, steroids, or other drugs
to the DESIGNATED BUILDING ADMINISTRATOR AND SCHOOL NURSE.
The following procedures must be followed:
1.
The administrator will locate the student and escort him/her directly
to a confidential and inconspicuous location where the nurse, appropriate
administrator and the Student Assistance Counselor/Counselor will meet with
the student as soon as possible.
Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Dangerous
Substances File Code:
5131.63 Page 4
2.
Immediate contact with parent/guardian shall be initiated by the
building administrator for the purpose of obtaining an immediate physical
examination and a urine and/or blood test by a physician.
Building Administrator or his designee will also inform the Chief
School Administrator of the incident.
3.
WHEN A STUDENT IS IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION, the building administrator shall take appropriate
action to insure that the First Aid Squad or
4.
WHEN IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IS NOT NECESSARY:
a)
The parent/guardian and principal/designee shall be directed to take
the student for an immediate physical examination to include urine and/or
blood testing at
1)
Failure to comply with the requirement to complete a physical
examination and lab tests within 24 hours will be considered a positive
diagnosis resulting in an immediate suspension.
a.
Reinstatement will occur only upon: “submission to the principal,
within 5 days from this incident, written evidence that a physician has
medically cleared the student to return to school and that a Chemical
Dependency Assessment has been initiated by an approved agency.”
2)
In accordance with NJAC 6A:16 (a), refusal or failure by a parent to
comply with the provisions of NJSA 18A:40A-12 shall be deemed a violation of
the compulsory education (NJSA 18A:38-25 and 18A:38-31) and/or child neglect
(NJSA 9:6-1 et seq.) laws. The
parent/guardian will be advised that a DYFS referral will be made.
The drug screening may be done with or without the consent of the
parent.
Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Dangerous
Substances File Code:
5131.63 Page 5
5.
RE-ADMISSION CRITERIA (when medical attention is or is not
necessary).
Return to school is prohibited until the student can present:
a)
A physician’s written note stating that the student is medically
cleared to return to school at this time.
b)
Evidence that a urine and/or blood screen for drugs/alcohol has been
collected and is being processed by a lab.
c)
Meeting the above criteria, the student will be re-admitted that day
without suspension, pending the results of the completed urine and/or blood
test.
d)
A POSITIVE DIAGNOSIS will cause the student to be suspended immediately
for a duration of not more than 10 days.
1. The
Superintendent of Schools will be notified of a positive diagnosis.
2. Positive
diagnosis will require a Chemical Dependency Assessment from a New Jersey
Department of Health approved program. The
selection of a treatment or assessment facility shall be done by the
parent/guardian who shall be informed by the Building Administrator or
designee that this will be at the parent/ guardian’s expense.
Nothing in these procedures shall prevent a parent/guardian from
seeking a second opinion from an approved program at their own expense.
a.
The parent/guardian will be given a list of approved facilities from
which to select their referral.
b.
Parents/guardian and the student shall present a signed release
of confidential information form from a listed New Jersey Department of
Health approved program which indicates that an assessment is in progress in
order that the school and treatment program may communicate about the
students’ progress without breaching confidentiality.
3.
Meeting the above criteria may result in the reduction in the
length of suspension.
4.
Students enrolled in an approved out-patient treatment program may
continue to attend school only as long as participation can be documented.
5.
Parents/guardians who fail to comply with the assessing program’s
recommendation will result in the school’s filing a report of alleged child
neglect with the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) as well as the
option of filing a formal complaint in municipal court.
6.
Students not enrolled in a program, or leaving a program against the
recommendation of the program, will be placed on Home Instruction, to be
reviewed by the
7.
If questionable behavior, or deteriorating condition is noted, or the
treatment agency reports that a student’s use of drugs is increasing, the
student will be required to see a physician for medical clearance.
Only upon receipt of written medical clearance will the student be
allowed to remain in school.
B.
SECOND OFFENSE
Students
suspected of having ingested or being under the influence of substances.
1.
The pupil will have an immediate medical examination including testing
for cause which includes drugs of abuse and/or alcohol.
All of the procedures outlined under FIRST OFFENSE will be
carried out.
2.
Confirmation of being under the influence will require the
student to undergo an assessment by an approved facility.
The fee must be paid by the parent.
a)
Formal release from treatment at the program’s recommendation will be
the only reason accepted for termination.
3.
Failure to comply with these requirements may result in immediate
suspension or expulsion at the recommendation of the administration, in
conjunction with the Student Assistance Counselor/Counselor/Intervention and
Referral Service Committee. In
case of suspension of more than 10 days, the youngster will be placed on Home
Instruction.
Drugs,
Alcohol, Tobacco and Controlled Dangerous Substances
File Code: 5131.63
Page 7
C.
THIRD OFFENSE
Students
suspected of having ingested or being under the influence of substances.
1. The Administration, in
conjunction with the Student Assistance Counselor/ Counselor/Intervention and
Referral Service Committee, retains the option to recommend expulsion to the
Board of Education for any chronic violator of this Policy.
a) If the
student is not expelled, an individual program shall be developed for him/her
in consultation with the building administrator, Student Assistance
Counselor/Counselor/Intervention and Referral Service Committee.
PART
II - STUDENTS VOLUNTARILY SEEKING HELP FOR DRUG OR ALCOHOL
RELATED PROBLEMS
Students are encouraged to seek help for problems with or related to
drug and/or alcohol use. Specific
staff members and services are provided for direct assistance of confidential
referral for students seeking help with an alcohol, drug or other problem
related to their substance use or use by someone in a close relationship with
them.
1.
At the initial meeting with a student, the Student Assistance
Coordinator/ Elementary Guidance Counselor or Intervention and Referral
Service (PAC)/CORE member will provide full disclosure, orally and in writing,
of the confidentiality laws and guidelines as required in Federal
Confidentiality Regulations CFR42, Part 2.
2.
The Student Assistance Coordinator/Elementary Guidance Counselor or
Intervention and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE member will be allowed to
maintain confidentiality of conversations with students meeting the following
criteria:
a) the student’s
health is not in imminent danger;
b) the information
does not make the staff member accessory to an illegal
action;
c) the information
does not indicate that the health or safety of the student
or another individual is threatened.
3.
The student will be required to complete a screening inventory
designated by the Intervention and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE team to
determine the degree of alcohol and other drug involvement.
4.
The student’s age, quantity/frequency of alcohol/drug use, and the
length of time a student continues to use substances should be given
consideration when a decision to initiate a referral to a community agency or
parent/ guardian contact is being weighed.
a)
For classified students, the Case Manager or other member of the Child
Study Team shall be consulted.
b)
The individual Student Assistance Coordinator/Elementary Guidance
Counselor or Intervention and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE member may continue
to work with a student seeking help voluntarily for a reasonable period of
time.
1)
The Student Assistance Coordinator/Elementary Guidance Counselor and
student may design a plan which will include time frames, parent/guardian
role, and possible treatment/ assessment referral.
2)
However, when the Intervention and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE
Committee agrees that no progress is apparent or the student has failed to
adhere to the plan, the Intervention and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE member
will refer the case to the appropriate provider.
c)
Every effort shall be made to have the student discuss their
involvement with alcohol and other drugs with their parent/guardian.
5.
Members of the district’s Intervention and Referral Service
(PAC)/CORE Committees shall be considered “part of the district’s
alcohol/drug program” and shall be permitted to discuss student matters
protected by Federal Confidentiality Regulations on a “need to know”
basis, providing that members have signed a SHARED SERVICES AND
CONFIDENTIALITY UNDERSTANDING form which has been filed with the Substance
Awareness Coordinator/Elementary School Guidance Counselor.
a)
Building Intervention and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE Committees shall
maintain regular communication regarding students moving from one district
building to another, and on issues affecting siblings or significant others,
in order to insure consistency.
6.
“Voluntarily seeking help” does not prevent the school staff from
charging a student with “suspicion of being under the influence” at
another time.
PART III - STUDENTS
RETURNING FROM TREATMENT (Voluntary and Policy Ordered)
Any student attending a treatment program causing extended absence will
be re-admitted only upon receipt of a written recommendation from the
treatment program. In addition,
the student must be registered and actively attending an approved after-care
program.
1.
A copy of the student’s after-care plan and discharge summary must be
provided to the Student Assistance Coordinator/Elementary Guidance
Counselor/Building Administrator.
2.
Failure of the student to adhere to his/her after-care program because
of his/her actions or inactions shall subject the student to disciplinary
action which may include suspension or expulsion.
3.
Refusal or failure by a parent to comply with this Policy shall be
deemed a violation of the compulsory education (NJSA 18A:38-25 and 18A:38-31)
and/or child neglect (NJSA 9:6-1 et seq.) laws and DYFS shall be notified.
NJAC 6A:16.
PART IV - POSSESSION OR
DISTRIBUTION OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL
When a student is found to be in possession of any quantity of illegal
substances, drugs, steroids and alcohol, on school grounds or at a school
activity, the
Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco and
Controlled Dangerous Substances File
Code: 5131.63 Page 10
A.
Students found “in possession” will follow the same criteria
as outlined in Part I of this Policy. However,
the
B.
Students charged with distribution or intent to distribute drugs
or when a student is neither treatment appropriate, nor tests positive on a
urine/blood screen, will receive the following additional disciplinary
measures:
1.
Out-of-School Suspension for up to a maximum of 21 days, not to exceed
the second monthly Board of Education meeting.
2.
Appear at an automatic expulsion hearing before the
3.
If reinstated, a monitoring program and monthly reports to the Kearny
Board of Education shall be developed by the Intervention and Referral Service
(PAC)/CORE Committee or the Student Assistance Coordinator/Elementary Guidance
Counselor.
4.
Failure to comply with established guidelines, or determination that
the student is a risk to the school community will result in extended Home
Instruction until the
C.
Second, and any subsequent offenses, or those which involve actions by
the Court due to the quantity of substances involved, shall cause an Expulsion
Hearing by the
D.
Students arrested for non-school related drug or alcohol violations
shall be permitted to attend school unless it is felt that the student is a
danger to him/herself, or to other students in the school.
E.
If the school building principal, based on reports from local police,
determines that the student’s continued attendance presents a danger to the
health and welfare of other students in the building, the offending student
shall:
1.
Be suspended immediately, for a minimum of 10 days.
2.
Implement Home Instruction procedures immediately.
3. Make a Child Study Team referral, if the current educational placement appears inappropriate
4.
Return to school will be conditional upon meeting criteria established
by the Intervention and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE Committee or Student
Assistance Coordinator/Elementary Guidance Counselor and the building
principal.
PART V - SEARCH AND
SEIZURE
All student handbooks shall carry a note that “lockers are school
property and therefore subject to search by school administration” at any
time. Searches conducted of
students’ possessions, lockers or vehicles must be warranted by
“reasonable suspicion”. These
searches shall follow the guidelines established for New Jersey Schools in the
Administrative Code, but shall include the following guidelines:
1.
“Reasonable suspicion” shall mean suspicion based on statement of
concern by staff or students, and physical condition or behavior of a
suspicious nature which indicated possible substance use or possession.
2.
Searches of a “cursory” nature may be conducted, including a visual
inspection and request that students empty pockets, purses and other
belongings. Students refusing to
cooperate in “searches” will have their parent/guardian contacted
immediately to inform them of the student’s refusal to cooperate, stressing
possible police involvement in the incident.
PART VI - ROLE OF THE
CHILD STUDY TEAM
The Child Study Team shall not accept referrals of new cases where the
cause for evaluation indicates possible substance abuse, until the
Intervention and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE Committee, the Director of
Guidance, and the Student Assistance Coordinator/Elementary School Counselor
have been consulted.
A.
Students referred to Child Study team may be required to submit a urine
and/or blood screen, or participate in some other form of evaluation, in order
to “rule out” the possibility that drug/alcohol involvement is a primary
cause for the referral.
B.
Following return from treatment, or when the Intervention and Referral
Service (PAC)/CORE Committee determines that a Child Study Team evaluation, or
alternative educational environment may be appropriate, a referral to the
Child Study Team shall be made.
C.
The Child Study Team shall consult with the Intervention and Referral
Service (PAC)/CORE Committee on students referred, for “technical
assistance” on substance abuse and symptomatology, for both classified and
non-classified students.
D.
The Child Study Team, upon request of the Intervention and Referral
Service (PAC)/CORE Committee or Board of Education, will review the current
placement of a student on extended Home Instruction and consider alternative
educational programs.
PART VII - CONFIDENTIAL
CONSULTATION WITH PARENT/GUARDIAN
Parents or guardians may receive confidential voluntary consultation
from the Student Assistance Counselor/Elementary Counselor to address concerns
about their child’s possible substance abuse, without informing the student
of such a meeting. Names of
cooperating programs may be provided which will conduct a Drug Assessment.
The information obtained by the staff member during this meeting shall
remain confidential and shall not be used for disciplinary action against the
student.
1.
“Parent/Guardian confidential consultation” does not prevent the
school staff from charging a student with “suspicion of being under the
influence” at another time.
The school has a moral and legal obligation to identify and assist
students whose drug or alcohol use is affecting school performance or
behavior, regardless of when it occurs. Parents/guardians
telephone calls expressing concern about parties or substance-related
incidents involving students will be handled in the following manner:
1.
The staff member will ensure that any information deemed reliable will
be passed on to the affected parent/guardian through the Student Assistance
Coordinator/Elementary School Counselor, whose training and expertise may
facilitate parent cooperation, in a manner which ensures the confidentiality
of each student and/or family.
2.
A member of the Intervention and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE Committee
and/or the Student Assistance Coordinator/Elementary School Counselor may call
in a student in order to express concern about “use” when a
parent/guardian or fellow student issues a “statement of concern,” or to
discuss parent/guardian chemical dependency.
The contents of this meeting will remain confidential; however, this
will NOT protect the student from future sanctions under existing procedures
of this Policy.
3.
A Behavioral Health Assessment of the student may be conducted in order
to determine to what extent chemical use may be affecting performance or
behavior. Students who appear to
be “in trouble” may require formal, or informal intervention by the
Intervention and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE Committee and/or Student
Assistance Coordinator/Elementary School Counselor.
In such cases, no release of information by the student is necessary.
PART IX - STAFF MEMBER’S
RESPONSIBILITIES
Staff members MUST, by law, report any student suspected
of being under the influence of, or having problems related to drugs, steroids
and/or alcohol through the district procedures.
1.
Any educational personnel employed by this district who in good faith
reports a pupil under the provisions of this Policy to the principal or
his/her designee shall not be liable in civil damages as a result of making
any such report. (NJSA 18A:40A-13 and 14)
Civil immunity NJSA 18A:40A-13-14; NJAC 6A:16.
2.
No civil action of any kind shall lie against any teaching staff member
or any officer or agent of the district because of actions taken under the
education statutes on substance abuse, NJSA 18A:40A-1 et seq., provided the
skill and care given is that which is ordinarily required and exercised by
other such teaching staff members and officers and agents of the district.
3.
Any teaching staff member who in good faith reports a pupil to the
principal, the principal’s designee, the school medical inspector, or the
school nurse in an attempt to help such pupil cure his or her abuse of
substances shall not be liable in civil damages as a result of making any such
report.
PART X - FORMAL
INTERVENTIONS
Students whose behavior indicates chemical dependency and refuses to
confront the problem either alone, or as a result of family denial, may have
an intervention structured
1.
The intervention will be followed up by invocation of the
appropriate section(s) of this Policy. This
shall be a caring confrontation.
PART XI - TOBACCO USE
Smoking or the use of tobacco products by students and staff within all
school buildings and grounds is prohibited.
1.
Students engaging in the use of tobacco products anywhere in school
buildings or on school grounds, may receive the following disciplinary
measures based on offense number:
a)
First Offense, Students:
1-3 day in-school suspension
b)
Second Offense, Students: 3-5
day in-school suspension
c)
Third Offense, Students:
5-10 day in-school suspension
2.
Adults engaging in the use of tobacco products anywhere in school
building or on school grounds may receive disciplinary sanctions.
Please note: By
as well as within the building itself.
PART XII - CURRICULUM AND
INSTRUCTION
A.
Every student attending Kearny Public Schools will receive instruction
in behavioral/chemical health education in accordance with the guidelines and
objectives established by the New Jersey Department of Education.
B.
Special prevention programs shall be conducted beyond the classroom
throughout each school year which promote positive age-appropriate Behavioral
Health practices.
PART XIII - STEROID
PREVENTION PROGRAM
A.
The steroid prevention program shall include educational and aggressive
identification programs in appropriate subjects and with sports teams.
B.
As a requirement for participation in interscholastic sports, all
parents/guardians are required to give permission for the school physician or
medical practitioner of their choosing to perform an examination and possible
testing for steroid use.
C.
Steroid identification and testing during the individual sport season
will follow the steps listed below:
1.
Coaching and medical staff shall closely observe student athletes while
participating in the individual sport or during medical examinations.
a)
The examining physician will identify students suspected of steroid use
and refer to
b)
Coaches will identify players who display physical manifestations or
behavior consistent with symptoms of steroid use and report candidates for
testing to the Vice Principal: Athletics/Student Activities and/or Student
Assistance Coordinator/Elementary School Counselor.
2.
Urine samples will be collected from individuals and/or entire teams or
squads when there is suspected steroid use.
a)
At the time of collection, the Student Assistance Coordinator or other
designated member of the Alcohol and Drug “Program” shall provide students
with an orientation to include:
1)
A review of the Board Policy regarding use of alcohol and other drugs,
specifically steroids, along with consequences.
2)
An opportunity to voluntarily disclose themselves as “in violation of
the Policy” by completing a Personal Disclosure Statement.
3)
Students voluntarily making such a disclosure will be seen by a Student
Assistance Coordinator/Elementary School Counselor on the next school day.
3.
Failure to submit a urine sample will result in the student being
declared ineligible to participate until a sample has been submitted.
4. Students testing positive will be treated under the same procedures as outlined in this Policy with the following additional sanctions
a)
First Offense - ineligibility to participate in interscholastic sports
for the remainder of the season.
1)
A pre-season physical shall be required before being considered
eligible for another sport.
b)
Second and Subsequent Offenses shall declare the student ineligible for
one year from the date of the offense.
PART XIV - WRITTEN RECORDS
Written records (official and unofficial) on all incidents relating to
suspected and/or actual drug/alcohol abuse shall not become part of the
child’s permanent health record or school record.
All official records shall be kept in the Student Assistance
Coordinator’s/ Elementary Counselor’s office.
PART XV - STUDENTS
RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the responsibility of each student to maintain a lifestyle
completely free of drugs and alcohol.
A student, through classroom instruction, should become aware of the
effects of drugs and alcohol on the human body.
A student who has a problem with drugs, steroids, alcohol, or tobacco
should seek assistance by presenting the situation to the Student Assistance
Coordinator/ Elementary School Counselor, specific faculty members, or to the
school administration.
A student may suspect a fellow student of taking drugs or alcohol or
may suspect possession of drugs or alcohol on or within the school grounds.
It is the responsibility of that student to inform the proper
authorities of the suspicion, i.e., Student Assistance Coordinator,
the building Principal, Vice Principal, Guidance Counselor, Nurse, or
classroom teacher. The confidence
of the reporting student will be respected.
PART XVI - HIGH RISK
YOUNGSTERS
The
PART XVII - CHILDREN OF
ALCOHOLICS AND FROM CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT
FAMILIES
Children who are identified as having parents, guardians, or family
members with active alcoholism, substance abuse, or chemical dependency, or a
history of such difficulties, may receive support services in the form of
individual or group counseling, referral to community services, and
“self-help” programs available within the school district and community.
The following guidelines are provided for handling these matters.
1.
Students at all levels shall be apprised, in an age appropriate
manner, of the confidentiality regulations prior to disclosing
information as outlined in Part I, Confidentiality.
2.
Students who self-disclose family chemical dependency may be provided
support services; however, staff members shall be alert to the potential for a
referral to the Division of Youth and Family Services.
a)
The Confidentiality Regulations are automatically waived in cases where
any form of child abuse exists.
3.
Every effort to involve and assist parents or guardians with chemical
dependency issues should be made.
a)
Before involving elementary school age children in counseling programs,
parents or guardians may be informed of their child’s participation in such
programs. NJSA 18A:40A(9:17A-4)
4.
Parents or guardians who have been informed of detrimental effects
resulting from a family member’s chemical use, and fail to take appropriate
action, shall cause a referral to DYFS to be made.
PART XVIII - AUTHORIZED
USE OF MEDICATIONS
A.
All students carrying or taking prescribed medication, must store and
consume these medications under the supervision of the school nurse as
directed in the Medical Department Policy with the exception of inhalers for
asthma.
B.
Parents are ultimately responsible for enforcing this procedure when
they are aware of medication use. Consumption
of any medication with the exception of prescription inhalants in places other
than the nurse’s office will be considered a violation of this Policy.
PART XIX - TEACHER
IN-SERVICE TRAINING (NJSA 18A:40A-3 & NJSA 18A:40A-15)
A.
Teacher in-service training is an important part of any school program
to prevent chemical dependency. The
Student Assistance Coordinator/Elementary School Counselor and/or Intervention
and Referral Service (PAC)/CORE Committee in each school is responsible to
provide in-service training and to assist district personnel in identifying
symptoms and behavioral patterns which may indicate a youngster is involved in
substance abuse. The Kearny Board
of Education will provide time for conduct of the program during the usual
school schedule.
B.
In-service training shall prepare teachers to instruct pupils on
substance abuse and inform teachers about the nature of substances, the
symptomatic behavior associated with substance abuse, the availability of
rehabilitation and treatment programs, the legal aspects of substance abuse,
and district Policy and regulations on substance abuse.
PART XX - REVIEW AND
ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF POLICIES
District Policy and implementation of administrative regulations on
drugs/alcohol shall be reviewed and evaluated annually by administrators,
teachers and students, in consultation with members of the community and local
health agencies, and shall be distributed annually to all school staff
members, pupils and parents. (NJAC
6A:16-4.2)
Adopted: August 17, 1993
Amended: February 24, 2003
ADDENDUM
I
ADMINISTRATOR’S
ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG ABUSE INCIDENT
CHECKLIST
The following “checklist”
provides the administrator with a ready reference to insure compliance with
established Board of Education Policy and Procedure relating to substance
abuse incidents.
1.
Any staff member to whom it appears that a student may be currently
under the influence of alcohol or other drugs on school property or at a
school function shall report the matter as soon as possible to the school
principal or designee and the school nurse.
Reporting person completes the Behavior Assessment.
2.
The students is to be escorted to a confidential and
inconspicuous location where the student will be supervised.
Administrator/Nurse document observable symptoms.
3.
If a student appears to be in need of immediate medical
attention the building administrator/nurse will call the first Aid
Squad or Kearny Police Department to transport to West Hudson Hospital.
4.
The building administrator or designee:
–
shall immediately notify the parents/guardian
–
refer parent/guardian to West Hudson Hospital for an immediate medical
evaluation and urine and/or blood testing.
No fee to parents (contact at West Hudson Hospital should be made with
Mrs. Katherine Zenevitch or her designee, phone (201-955-7676).
a) The parent can be given the option of taking the student to their
personal
physician within 24 hours for a medical examination and urine and/or
blood test. This will be
done at the parent’s expense.
5.
The building administrator or designee will inform the
parent/guardian that the student will not be allowed to return to school
until there is written medical clearance by the examining physician to return
to school and evidence that a urine and/or blood screen for drugs/alcohol has
been collected.
–
Procedure letter given to parent to read and sign.
(Copy to parent)
.
Re-admission criteria (First Offense)
AFTER MEDICAL CLEARANCE, THE STUDENT MAY RETURN TO SCHOOL THAT DAY
PENDING RESULT OF THE URINE AND/OR BLOOD TEST
A)
NEGATIVE DIAGNOSIS
1.
The student
continues in school
2.
Refer
student to Counselor/Student Assistance Counselor
B) POSITIVE DIAGNOSIS
1.
Immediate
suspension for a period of not more than 10 days
2.
Results of,
or evidence that the process has begun for an assessment from a state approved
provider with recommendation
3.
Evidence
that family has complied with assessment recommendations
a)
The student is allowed to return and/or stay
in school as long as the student continues and
completes the recommended program
4.
Refer
student to Counselor/Student Assistance
Counselor
5.
The building
principal or designee shall complete the Violence, Vandalism and Substance
Abuse Incident Report, according to the requirements of NJSA 18A: 17-46 and
NJAC 6A:16-4.3(d).
7.
Re-admission (Second Offense)
A.
Completion of First Offense Re-admission
B.
Positive diagnosis results in treatment requirement
C.
Failure to comply - immediate suspension (optional - expulsion
recommended)
8.
Re-admission (Third Offense)
A.
Completion of First Offense Re-admission
B. Positive diagnosis results in automatic Expulsion hearin
9.
Parent/Student Non-Compliance
A.
Failure to comply with the requirement to complete a physical
examination and lab tests within 24 hours will be considered a positive
diagnosis resulting in an immediate suspension.
B.
If the parent or guardian refuses to consent for medical
examination including urine and/or blood testing for substance abuse, the
parent will be informed by the building administrator that their refusal will
be considered to be child neglect and a violation of the law as set forth
under NJSA 9:6-1 et. seq. and the school is obligated to report the incident
to the Division of Youth and Family Services. NJAC
6A:16-4.3(d).
ADDENDUM
II
sample
Kearny Public Schools
Kearny High School Mr. Frank Digesere
336 Devon Street Principal
Kearny, New Jersey 07032 (201) 955-5048
TO:
_____________________, 200___
Your child,
_______________________, ID #_________ has been identified in accordance with
Board of Education Policy 5131.63 and New Jersey Administrative Code 6:29-6 as
being suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
The purpose of this procedure is to assist schools and families in identifying and getting help for students with alcohol or other drug problems. You are required to complete the following in order for your child to be re-admitted to school:
C An immediate examination by a physician, and a urine and/or blood test with documentation that both have been completed.
C A clearance note from the physician and completion of the above requirement will allow the student to return pending the results of the laboratory work.
C If the physician clears the student but later laboratory work indicates alcohol and/or other drug use the student will be required to have an assessment (at the parents’ expense) by a qualified alcohol/drug treatment provider. The recommendations from this assessment must be received before returning. A suspension of not more than 10 days will commence at the time the laboratory results are received.
C It will be considered a positive diagnosis if there is no clearance by a physician and laboratory work completed within 24 hours. The student will be required to have an assessment (at the parents’ expense) by a qualified alcohol/drug treatment provider. The school must receive the recommendations before returning. A suspension of not more than 10 days will commence immediately.
Failure to comply with the above steps or with the recommendation of the assessing agency will result in re-suspension. Parent’s signature allows for exchange of information relevant to the student by the hospital, treatment center, SAC and/or school administration.
___________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date ___________________________
ADDENDUM
III
REASONABLE
CAUSE TO SUSPECT
Pupil’s Name:
________________________
Date: ____________________
Time: ____________________
Grade:
__________
A referral requires a minimum
number of two (2) observable characteristics as listed below.
I
have “reasonable cause to suspect a student is under the influence” based
on the following listed below.