Drug and Alcohol Free Policy
District policy prohibits the use of tobacco, drugs, and alcohol by ALL PERSONS, students and adults, at all times in all district buildings, on all district property, and including off-campus school-sponsored activities.
Conestoga Valley strives to maintain a drug-free school environment. For purposes of this policy, alcohol is considered to be a drug. It is a violation of this policy to use, possess, sell, or be under the influence of any drug or have in your possession drug paraphernalia as defined in this policy. The following rules, regulations, and guidelines apply to violations of this policy.
This policy is built on the philosophy that:
- disciplinary action is required for policy violation;
- rehabilitation and education are equally important in policy enforcement.
Definitions
Controlled Substance - shall include:
- Any controlled substance prohibited by federal or Pennsylvania laws.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Any volatile solvents or inhalants, such as but not limited to glue and aerosol products.
- Substances that when ingested cause a physiological effect that is similar to the effect of a controlled substance as defined by state or federal laws.
- Prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medications, except those for which permission for use in school has been granted pursuant to Board policy (227).
Cooperative Behavior shall be defined as the willingness of a student to work with staff and school personnel in a reasonable and helpful manner, including following through with any recommendations.
Distribution means to deliver, pass, sell, share, or give to another person, or to assist in the distribution of any alcohol, drug, or mood-altering substance.
Look-A-Like drug shall include any pill, capsule, tablet, powder, plant matter or other item or substance that is designed or intended to resemble a controlled substance prohibited by this policy, or is used in a manner likely to induce others to believe the material is a controlled substance.
Medication Policy: The district enforces a comprehensive medication policy (see complete Medication Policy on page 41).
Paraphernalia includes any equipment, product, material, or item of any kind which, in the school's judgment, can be linked with the use of drugs, alcohol, or mood-altering substances.
Police Contact: The school will report the use of drugs and alcohol to the police (see page 21 for the district’s policy on police involvement). School disciplinary action is in addition to any charges filed by the police.
Possession:
- Active Possession involves keeping/holding without attempt to distribute any alcohol, drug, or mood-altering substance.
Anabolic Steroid Use Prohibited: Act 93 of 1989 prohibits the use of anabolic steroids, except for a valid medical purpose, by any pupil involved in school-related athletics. The Act includes minimum penalties, requiring suspension from the team for the remainder of the season.
Uncooperative Behavior is student resistance or refusal (verbal, physical, or passive), to complying with the reasonable requests or recommendations of school personnel, including those in the Student Assistance Program.
Under the influence - shall include any consumption or ingestion of controlled substances by a student.
Reminder to Parents
Adults who provide alcohol to persons under 21– even their own children – will receive a MANDATORY fine of $1,000 for the first offense and $2,500 for second or subsequent offenses per minor. For example, providing alcohol to a party involving 10 minors will result in a fine of $10,000 to $25,000. Anyone who makes or sells false ID will receive the same penalty.
Student Assistance Program (SAP)
A team of professionally trained staff is available to deal with:
- Concerns about suicide
- Depression
- Alcohol & related problems
- Drug use & related problems
- Anger/violence
- Serious attendance problems
If you suspect that your student is involved with any of the above, you can get help by referring him/her to SAP through contacting your school counselor, or completing the MTSS/SAP Referral Form the GHMS SAP Referral Form.
The team provides an assessment of the problem and may use a formal intervention process with parents and the student to resolve the issues.
You can also get help from the SAP by contacting any professional school employee or, if the student wishes, through self-referral. The actions of the team are held in confidence unless the safety or health of the student or other individuals is at risk.