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5131.61 (R)Procedures to be Followed in Alcohol/Drug Associated Incidents

ILLNESS AND EMERGENCIES RESULTING FROM ALCOHOL/ILLICIT DRUG USE

  1. Whenever a pupil is acting irrationally or appears to be in a state induced by the use of alcohol/illicit drugs or other foreign agents that student should be referred to the school nurse as in the case of any other illness.
  2. If a student’s condition or behavior creates an emergency situation which may be due to alcohol/illicit drug activities, the actions toward the student should be channeled through the school’s health services under the direction of the principal. The specific roles for professional staff to fulfill in such an emergency are detailed below:

Teacher Immediately notify the principal who should call upon the school health services, giving all pertinent information. Be prepared to discuss facts and impressions - carefully distinguishing between the two - with health personnel and school officials at a later time. Keep a written record of the incident.

School Nurse Advise the school principal of the nature of the emergency situation. If alcohol/drug use is suspected, advise the principal so that appropriate medical assistance can be sought, either from the school medical advisor or the family physician. Keep appropriate records.

School Physician Treat for any medical emergency. Attempt to determine whether alcohol/drug use is an isolated instance or part of a pattern, whether the matter is a behavior or a health problem. Report circumstances to the nurse and school principal. If controlled or narcotic drugs are involved, follow the reporting procedures required by statute.

School Principal Be sure parents are immediately notified of circumstances. The Superintendent is to be alerted and kept fully informed. Arrange for whatever conferences may be needed. Be sure all legal and administrative responsibilities have been met. Maintain necessary records.

SOLICITED ASSISTANCE BY STUDENTS WHO MAY BE USERS OF ALCOHOL/ILLICIT DRUGS

  1. Whenever a student voluntarily tells a confidant on the school staff of an alcohol/drug problem, the trust should be maintained.
  2. The confidant should make every effort to direct the student to the kind of help needed.
  3. School personnel, including the nurse, social worker or counselor, must be prepared to refer a student or a confidant to appropriate local resources.
  4. Records should not be kept.

DISCOVERY OF A STUDENT IN POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL/ILLICIT DRUGS

  1. Whenever a student is discovered to be in possession of a controlled or narcotic drug or alcohol, that student should be immediately referred to the school principal. The principal should take possession of the alcohol/drug and issue a receipt for it to the owner.
  2. Using due process, the principal should attempt to determine whether the alcohol/drugs were for personal use or distribution (by any means, including sale or gift).
  3. The parents are to be notified as quickly as possible of the circumstances. Administrative action may be taken against the student if deemed appropriate.
  4. The principal will refer the matter to the local police officials who can assist in identifying the proper steps to be taken. If the alcohol/controlled drug is released to the police or another authority, a receipt acknowledging this release should be obtained.
  5. The principal will keep the Superintendent fully informed.
Previous Policy Number: IC2.2-R