MSAD 9 Policy Manual (continued

FILE: JICH-R

CHEMICAL HEALTH REGULATION

I. Administrative procedures related to employees:

A. In school or at school related functions use or possession of alcohol and/or other mood altering chemicals will result in:

1. First Offense - The administration will take the disciplinary action agreed to in the contractual agreement and police notified, if necessary.

2. Second Offense - In the event of a second policy violation, the employee will have to prove his/her ability to follow district policy. Steps leading to dismissal if compliance is not completed may be expected.

B. Distribution of alcohol or other mood altering drugs:

1. Verification

2. Suspension

Suspension will remain in force until resolution of the incident which may lead to dismissal

3. Police notified, if appropriate

II. Procedures related to students:

A. Rules:

1. In school or at school-related functions, a student shall not use, possess, or distribute alcohol, marijuana or other substances defined by law as a drug or a look-alike drug. Drug paraphernalia that includes any device which may facilitate the use of drugs will be considered and treated with the same penalties as possession or use as described elsewhere in district policy and regulation.

2. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student's own use by his/her doctor. Students must leave the prescription with the office or school nurse for safe keeping.

3. This policy is designed to deal with use and possession within the normal school milieu. The extra-curricular and athletic policy addresses concerns that occur outside of this policy.

4. If there is a medical emergency, proper referral for medical attention is to be made. Disciplinary action will take place when the student is ready.

B. Role of school staff:

1. Disciplinary Action - Any staff member who has reasonable basis to suspect any student of possession, use or selling to another student of a prohibited substance has the responsibility to:

a) Take whatever immediate action may be necessary to secure the health and safety of the involved student(s).

b) Report the case immediately to the proper administrator.

2. Voluntary Referral - Any staff member who is approached by a student who is seeking help is expected to maintain the confidentiality of the student and to refer him/her to the Student Assistance Team. A staff member may respond to a student seeking help with a chemical dependency or abuse problem without being compelled to use the information in a disciplinary manner.

C. Procedures - Middle/Secondary:

1. Grades 7-12: Disciplinary Action

a) Type one: Possession/Use

i. First Offense:

1) Verification

2) Notify parent or guardian

3) Notify police

4) Five-day suspension and student is sent home for remainder of day.

5) Student and parent or guardian meet with members of the Student Assistance Team to develop an individual education component which consists of 10 hours of drug education (which will include an informal assessment) and a contract outlining consequences of a second offense.

6) Student is referred to Board of Directors with recommendation for long term suspension or expulsion

i. Referring person consults with Support Assistance Team or team member about concern

iii. Student Assistance Team member meets with student to begin an informal assessment

iv. Student Assistance Team member may discuss case with Student Assistance Team

i. Listen to student's concerns and help student make contact with a Student Assistance Team member,

ii. Consult with Student Assistance Team member about student and best way to proceed,

iii. Student Assistance Team member meets with student to begin informal assessment,

iv. Student Assistance Team member may discuss case with Student Assistance Team,

(Nothing in this section supersedes the rules in Section A of procedures related to students.)

(If the student(s) wants the initial contact person to remain involved and that person is willing, they should be included in all steps.)

3) Parent or guardian contacted and student sent home with parents for the remainder of the day

4) Administrator meets with parent or guardian and student to develop an individual plan

3) Parent or guardian contacted and student sent home with parents for remainder of day

5) Administrator, parent or guardian, and guidance counselor develop individual plan

6) Student may be referred by the Administration to the Board of Directors for further action.

5) The administrator will review the case and decide on a course of action which may include:

cc. student and parent or guardian educated regarding the laws that cover furnishing and selling

iii. Guidance counselor and student work out an action plan that may include involving parent or guardian.

e. If student must be driven home, be certain two (2) adults are involved in the process

f. Follow regular procedures for possession and/or use as outlined in K-6 or 7-12 procedures

1. The MSAD No. 9 Board of Directors is committed to keeping its student body chemically free and supports state laws that forbid the sale and distribution of alcohol and other drugs to minors.

2. When a school administrator receives information about a situation where the selling or furnishing of alcohol or other drugs to minors may occur or learns about student parties where violations may occur, it is the school administrator's job to:

b. Notify parent or guardian, relate the information they have and inform them of the liquor laws.

administrators, teachers, school counselors, behavioral specialists, law enforcement, school nurse, school psychologist, community service agencies, advisors, and support staff.

B. The Student Assistance Team units address many types of behaviors: academic decline, frequent absences or tardiness, physical health problems, disruptive behaviors, out-of-school issues affecting school performance, decreasing or non-involvement in co-curricular activities, atypical behaviors such as; depression, isolation, and self-destruction; and alcohol and other drug involvement.

C. The Student Assistance Team units accept referrals, assign advisors/mentors, develop action plans, make referrals to school/community programs, assist students with academic programs, support special services, work cooperatively with attendance committee, support teachers/parents in dealing with at risk behavior.

D. There are two (2) different types of referrals, Self Referral and Concerned Person Referral. Anyone can refer him/herself, a friend, or any other student about whom they are concerned. You can ask any teacher, administrator, coach or counselor to help you in making a referral. You can also talk directly to any member of the Student Assistance Team, or contact a team coordinator listed. Referrals are held in absolute confidence.

The team will seek additional confidential information when needed. The team will then evaluate the information and establish some plan of action to try to help the individual referred.

The team is here to help - never to punish, though helping sometimes means setting up healthy borders or limits.

In the event that a student exhibits any signs of alcohol consumption, the breathalyzer exam procedure will be used. It is not the intent of this policy to randomly test students. It is the intent to have the breathalyzer procedure serve as a deterrent to students attending Mt. Blue High School functions after consuming alcohol. School functions shall be defined as any activity sponsored by MSAD #9 and conducted on or away form school property.

Refusal to submit to the breath analyzer procedure will be considered to be a positive test for the presence of alcohol and the student will be disciplined in accordance with the MSAD #9 drug and alcohol policy.

Breathalyzer exams will be conducted by school administrators. The procedure will be administered in a secure area away from student traffic and the results will be forwarded to the school Principal, the Superintendent of Schools, the coordinator for the Student Assistance Team and the parent/guardian of the offending student.

It is the intent of the Board of Directors of MSAD #9 to discourage and eliminate the use of alcohol by students attending MSAD #9 functions and activities. Functions shall be defined as any activity sponsored by MSAD #9 and conducted on or away from school property. The following steps will be adhered to during the administration of this policy:

2. Refusal to submit to the breath analyzer procedure will be considered to be a positive test for the presence of alcohol and the student will be disciplined in accordance with the MSAD #9 drug and alcohol policy.

4. All breathalyzer tests will be conducted in a secure location away from student traffic.

5. It is NOT the intent of this regulation to conduct random testing of students.

6. Parents and/or guardians will be contacted and instructed to come to the school/activity and transport their child home if that student tests positive.

7. Students who test positive following a breathalyzer test will be suspended from school in accordance with the MSAD# 9 policies on alcohol consumption and suspensions.

8. The results of all breathalyzer tests will be forwarded to the school Principal, the Superintendent of Schools, the coordinator for the Student Assistance Team, and the parent/guardian of the student tested.

Possession or use of a weapon on school grounds, in school buildings or on school buses is prohibited. A pupil found to be in possession of a weapon on school premises before, during, or after school or at any school sponsored activity is subject to administrative and/or legal action.

A. Articles commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and/or to intimidate other persons. Examples are: firearms, knuckles, switch blade/butterfly knives, chains, clubs, stars, etc..

B. Articles designed for other purposes but which could easily be used to inflict bodily harm and/or Intimidate. Examples are: belts, combs, pencils, files, compasses, scissors, etc..

A. A pupil acting in an aggressive or belligerent manner with any article will be administratively judged to be in possession of a weapon. Disciplinary action will be taken.

B. A pupil using a weapon in a fight or altercation will be administratively judged to be a danger to others and self and will be subjected to extended suspension or expulsion proceedings, or other appropriate disciplinary action.

C. Administrators or other delegated school officials, in their professional judgement, will confiscate any article previously identified as a weapon under above. Such weapons will be submitted to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Articles previously identified above and any other articles deemed a weapon will be confiscated and disciplinary action will be taken. The appropriate law enforcement agency may be called.

D. A pupil who has caused injury to another person with. a weapon, intended to unintended, will be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action.

3. the contents of pockets and/or purses, if suspected of being in possession of prohibited, stolen, or illegal items.

The MSAD No. 9 is committed to the enforcement of a "Weapons in Schools" policy that meets all applicable requirements of the federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994, in addition to pertinent state laws and regulations. The purpose of the following Administrative Procedure is to effectuate the mandates imposed by federal law in addition to this Unit's policy on Weapons in Schools.

I. Applicability - All students, staff and other persons are subject to the prohibitions contained in the MSAD No. 9 Weapons in Schools policy. Prohibitions shall apply at all times on school premises, in any school vehicle, at any school-sponsored activity, or at any time or place if the conduct has an adverse effect on the discipline and welfare of the school.

II. Prohibitions - The following shall constitute conduct prohibited by this Procedure:

A. Possession and/or use of articles commonly used or designed to inflict bodily harm and/or to intimidate, coerce or harass persons. Examples of such articles include but are not limited to the following: firearms, ammunition, explosives, cross-bows, brass knuckles, switchblades, knives, chains, clubs, Kung Fu stars and nunchucks.

B. Use of any object as a weapon, although not necessarily designed to be a weapon, to inflict or threaten bodily harm and/or to intimidate, coerce or harass. Examples of such articles include but are not limited to the following: bats, belts, picks, pencils, scissors, compasses, objects capable of ignition (e.g., matches, lighters), files, tools of any sort and replicas of weapons (including some toys).

A. Administrators/Principals - Administrators shall take appropriate action for any violation of this policy/procedure including but not limited to student discipline and action by law enforcement officials as appropriate. Administrators will confiscate any article described in this policy/procedure using appropriate measures and, if appropriate, submit the article to a suitable law enforcement agency.

Principals may authorize inspections of student automobiles, clothing, purses, bags, backpacks and other personal belongings when there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the inspection will produce evidence that this policy/ procedure has been violated.

B. School Staff - School personnel shall take appropriate action in the event of an altercation involving violence and/or the use of a weapon. Incidents shall be reported immediately to the appropriate administrator.

A. Title 20-A MRSA § 1001(9)(1995) - Any student who violates this policy may be expelled under Title 20-A MRSA § 1001(9)(1995) if "found necessary for the peace and usefulness of the school." The School Board shall expel any student:

3. Who possesses on school property a firearm, as defined in Title 17-A MRSA § 2, subsection 12-A, without permission of a school official; and

4. Who with the use of any other dangerous weapon, as defined in Title 17-A MRSA § 2, subsection 9, paragraph A, intentionally or knowingly causes injury or accompanies use of a weapon with a threat to cause injury.

B. Title 20-A MRSA § 1001 9-A(B) - Nothing in the MSAD No 9 Weapons in the Schools policy or in this Administrative Procedure shall prevent a school board from:

1. Offering instructional activities related to firearms or from allowing a firearm to be brought to school for instructional activities sanctioned by MSAD No. 9; or,

2. Providing educational services in an alternative setting to a student who has been expelled.

The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for granting permission to conduct such instructional activities consistent with Title 20-A MRSA § 1001 9-A(B).

C. The Gun Free Schools Act of 1994 - Any student who is determined to have brought a firearm to school, as defined by 18 USCA § 921, shall be expelled from the regular school program for at least one (1) year. This shall be modified on a case-by-case basis by the Superintendent, in consultation IV. Enforcement - Continued

with the School Board, as necessary as authorized by 20-A MRSA § 1001 (9-A) and the federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994. Such modifications may include placement in alternative educational programs, In addition, any student bringing a firearm to school shall be referred to local law enforcement and/or the juvenile justice system as appropriate.

File: JIHE-R

Canine Drug Search Policy

Mt. Blue High School

It is the intent of the Board of Directors of MSAD #9 to formulate and enforce policies that eliminate and/or discourage the use and possession of illegal drugs and prohibitive substances in school. The provisions of this policy shall work in concert with the existing drug and alcohol policies of MSAD #9.

1. The building Principal shall be responsible for setting the date, time and place for which these searches will be conducted.

2. The building Principal shall notify the superintendent prior to any canine “sniff” search procedure.

3. Canine “sniff” searches will not be conducted on students, teachers or other people. It is the responsibility of the building Principal to ensure that this does not occur.

4. Canine “sniff” searches may be conducted on school lockers, locker rooms and other SAD #9 property and facilities.

5. Students shall not be present in any area where a canine “sniff” search is being conducted.

6. Dogs used for canine “sniff’ searches shall be certified and accompanied during a “sniff” search by a certified handler, the building Principal or Assistant Principal and the School Resource Officer.

7. Any direct search of school property or facilities following a “positive hit” will be conducted by the high school administration. This search will work in concert with the protocol of the police agency that assigned the dog and handler.

8. Students who are found to be responsible for bringing illegal or prohibitive substances to school following a canine “sniff” search will be subject to the disciplinary procedures outlined in the drug and alcohol policies of MSAD #9.

9. Illegal substances discovered by school officials during a canine “sniff” search will be turned over to the Police Department.

10. It is the intent of this policy that all canine “sniff” searches will be conducted randomly and unannounced.

Canine "sniff' drug searches will be conducted randomly and unannounced. All searches will be conducted within the parameters of the policy. These searches will be conducted on an "as needed" basis.

The search team will consist of the canine and it's handler, an Administrator and the School Resource Officer. Students who are found to be in possession of illegal or prohibitive substances will be subject to the provisions of the disciplinary code of MSAD #9 policies relating to drugs and alcohol.

Illegal or prohibitive substances found _________________________________________

Name of parent/guardian contacted ______________________ Telephone # ___________

A. When a student feels there has been discrimination, he/she may discuss the grievance with the Affirmative Action Coordinator.

B. If the grievance is not resolved within five (5) working days, the student may discuss the grievance with the principal or appropriate supervisor and the Affirmative Action Coordinator.

A. If the grievance is not resolved with five (5) working days, the student may file a written grievance with the principal or appropriate supervisor. Forms are available from the Affirmative Action Coordinator.

B. If the written grievance is not resolved within five (5) working days and the student wishes to continue the grievance procedure, the Affirmative Action Coordinator will bring said grievance to the attention of the Superintendent of Schools.

C. The Superintendent will, within ten working days after receiving a written grievance, review the situation in consultation with the Affirmative Action Coordinator and the grievant together and inform the grievant in writing of his/her decision.

D. If the written grievance is not resolved to the grievant's satisfaction, the grievant may submit a written grievance to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will then add to the agenda of their next meeting the discussion of the grievance. The Board will then notify the grievant of his/her right to be at the meeting and that the grievant is entitled to representation by counsel and to speak at the meeting if he/she wishes. The Board will notify the grievant in writing of its decision within five (5) working days. All grievance hearings will be conducted in executive session.

A student may, at any time, file a grievance with the Director, Office of Civil Rights, Department of Health and Human Services, JFK Federal Building, Government Center, Boston, MA 02103.

The various school-sponsored organizations may plan trips to participate in state or regional programs provided that:

A. They provide a true educational opportunity consistent with the school program as a whole;

C. They are properly chaperoned with at least 50% of the chaperones being school faculty members; and,

Overnight trips should be discouraged and allowed only in cases where absolutely necessary.

It shall also be the policy of MSAD No. 9 not to allow or sponsor outings, parties, picnics, or class trips except when school facilities are used and they are properly supervised. Teachers are discouraged from attending unofficial parties outside of school when organized by students without the sanction of the school administration.

The school will not sponsor to any degree any secret organization, secret society, or fraternity or allow use of school property or facilities for such organizations.

There shall be at least one (1) chaperone for each 25 pupils, except with approval of the Superintendent.

It shall be the policy of the Board to limit the number of school parties during the school year to a minimum, such as Christmas, Valentine's Day, and the final day of school. Classes may schedule additional parties on appropriate occasions with the permission of the principal.

Further, the Board recognizes the joy one receives in giving and receiving gifts, but it also recognized that the purchase of gifts to be exchanged in school sometimes places an added burden on the family and that the comparison of the value of gifts by students can be embarrassing. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the Board to prudently limit the exchanging of gifts between students, and between students and teachers, at school parties.

In addition the Board subscribes to the Code of Ethics of the National Education Association which states that teachers should, "Accept no gifts of significance that might influence our judgment in the exercise of our professional duties."

All preparations for classroom parties except those which have a true educational meaning shall be carried on outside of the school hours. Generally, parties will be limited to the last hour before dismissal. Refreshments may be served on the above occasions; however, no individual student shall be required to bring refreshments or pay the cost of refreshments.

Generally, parties on holidays should be restricted to the spirit of the day, singing, assemblies, plays, art work, etc., appropriate for the occasion.

No charge shall be made to any officially sponsored school organization for the use of any school facilities, except that such groups using cafeteria facilities for fundraising purposes shall be expected to pay the salaries of all cafeteria personnel necessary. At all other time such charges will be paid by the school department.

Parties during school time shall be kept to a minimum, namely Christmas, Valentine's Day, and the final day of school. On these days, a party may be held during the last hour before dismissal only. All preparations for the parties shall be carried on outside of school hours. Ordinarily, schools will not be dismissed early prior to a vacation or holiday except on the final day of school.

A student must take five courses, which may include up to 1 credit for P.E. during their four years at the high school, or the equivalency of five courses as it pertains to the technology course guidelines in order to participate in co_curricular activities. If a student fails to maintain a passing cumulative average in any subject, he/she will be declared ineligible to participate in co_curricular for the following quarter, UNLESS the student petitions to be on one quarter's probation in all subjects. Probation is defined as follows: The student will be able to practice and participate in, but unable to compete or lead such activities until grades reach a passing level. The student will be responsible for taking a progress sheet to his/her teacher every two weeks to monitor his/her progress. This sheet is to be returned to the Athletic Director and a copy taken to the coach or advisor. If the student is passing at the end of two weeks, he/she may return to full participation in the sport or co_curricular (with continuing review every two weeks). Otherwise he/she will remain eligible to practice/participate only. This policy applies to all sports, sports managers, marching and jazz band, drama, class officers, student council, clubs, etc. It does not include any curriculum offering where credit is granted such as performing arts classes. (ex. chorus, concert band, or orchestra, library aides, etc.)

If a student receives a failing or incomplete grade, he/she becomes ineligible when rank cards are issued. Students with incomplete grades will have two weeks to make up incompletes and will remain ineligible until work is completed and grades are completed.

Students may NOT use correspondence courses, night school, etc. to become eligible. Students may gain eligibility by attending an accredited summer school program. The student's grade will be determined by the formula prescribed by the district's summer school regulation.

Students who lose course credit for failing to satisfy the provisions of the district's attendance policy will be considered ineligible immediately at which point they may petition to be put on probation. This probation will include the student maintaining passing grades in all courses as well as have no further undocumented absences. The student will be monitored every two weeks (attendance and grades) in order to participate.

No student may participate in co_curricular activities more than eight consecutive semesters from the day he/she enters his/her FRESHMAN year.

A student who wishes to participate in a Saturday activity may NOT have an unexcused absence on the previous Friday.

Any student involved in co_curricular activities who reports to school after first period ends will not be allowed to participate in games or activities on that day. Exceptions will be made for documented professional appointments or other extenuating circumstances deemed reasonable by the administration. (It is the coach's responsibility to check attendance lists and enforce.) A student who drops a course with an F is immediately ineligible. If he/she still has five courses, he/she may refer himself/herself to the Student Assistance Team at which time the SAT and the student will come up with an IEP (Individual Education Plan) which may allow the student to go no eligibility probation.

1. Athletes suspended for contract violations or ineligible students may NOT join athletic teams after the date of the first regularly scheduled athletic contest. This policy applies to "cut sports" only and is intended to insure that spots on the team rosters are not being reserved for currently ineligible students. This does not apply if teams are unable to fill rosters with available students who initially try out.

2. New students moving to M.S.A.D.# 9, or in_coming freshmen from Mt. Blue Middle School who have maintained a passing cumulative average in all classes at their previous school will be eligible for extra_ curricular participation as soon as they are officially registered for classes in M.S.A.D.# 9 schools.

A coach may suspend a student from an activity for a period of time not to exceed five (5) days.

Should a coach feel that a suspension in excess of five (5) days is appropriate, the coach shall suspend for five (5) days and forward his recommendation for a longer suspension period to the Athletic Director and the principal. Extended suspensions will be at the discretion of the principal.

All suspensions will be followed by a letter to the parent stating the reason for the suspension, whether the coach is recommending to the principal a longer suspension period, and an invitation for the parent to meet with the coach and/or Athletic Director and/or principal.

If, following the meeting with the school personnel, the parent is not satisfied, the parent may appeal the decision to the Superintendent of Schools and ultimately to the Board of Directors.

Whenever school is closed for the day due to hazardous traveling conditions or whenever school is closed early or the shuttle bus cannot run due to hazardous road conditions, all co-curricular activities involving students will be cancelled.

Good discipline in the school is extremely important to the school program. Without good discipline the school cannot discharge its primary responsibility in the development of citizenship. Without good discipline, students cannot realize their greatest opportunitie