PREFACE

This policy including its rules, regulations and guidelines is a coordinated effort by the Watertown School District to openly and effectively respond to the potential and current uses and abuses of tobacco, drugs, alcohol and mood altering substances by students and employees.

STATEMENT OF POLICY: STUDENTS

No person may use, possess, sell or distribute alcohol or other substances, nor use or possess paraphernalia for the purpose of illicit/inappropriate drug use on school grounds or at school sponsored events. The term "alcohol, drugs, and other substances" shall be construed throughout this policy to refer to the use of all substances including, but not limited to: alcohol, all forms of tobacco, inhalable substances (including gases, solvents, butane, propane, adhesives), marijuana, cocaine/crack, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, methadone, scheduled narcotics, steroids, herbal stimulants, herbal euphoriants, look-a-likes and any substance commonly referred to as "designer drugs."

The inappropriate and/or illegal use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs shall also be prohibited. Prescription medication for personal use shall be allowed only under the supervision of school medical personnel, with written orders from a physician. State and local ordinances apply to students and employees alike.

Through the use of approved curricula, classroom activities, community support and resources, a strong and consistent administrative and faculty effort, and rehabilitative and disciplinary procedures, the Watertown School District will work to educate, prevent,

and intervene in the use and abuse of all tobacco, drug, alcohol and mood altering substances by the entire student population. (Section 10 - 19a)

Recognizing that drug use and abuse may be indicative of serious, underlying problems, every effort will be made to offer a student help and assistance, including early identification, referral to the parents for treatment and aftercare support by appropriate school staff.

A student who on school grounds, during a school session or anywhere at a school-sponsored activity is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or mood altering substances or possesses, uses, dispenses, sells or aids in the procurement of alcohol, narcotics, restricted drugs, mood altering substances, or any substance purported to be a restricted substance shall be subjected to discipline pursuant to the provisions and procedures listed in the guidelines.

Smoking is prohibited in all school buildings and on all school grounds at all times. Violation of this policy will result in discipline pursuant to the procedures listed.

Effective Date: July 1, 2000
Adopted by the Board: September 14, 1998
For further information, please notify the office, 945-4802
Revised: June 12, 2000