Drug And Alcohol Policy Philosophy
Drug and Alcohol Policy Philosophy
Saint Mary's High School recognizes the hardship created by drugs and alcohol at the individual and community levels. In so doing we unite to provide a drug free environment, safe for student growth and learning. While we recognize the need for compassionate treatment of those addicted and seeking help, we also uphold the policy of not using drugs/alcohol any time while on campus or at any off-campus Saint Mary's event. In accordance with this, we will maintain a NO TOLERANCE policy toward drug and alcohol use. SMHS Administration has approved the use of drug dogs as a deterrent to the use of drugs and alcohol. Policy The policy relating to such abuses is designed to be preventative
in nature and is intended to help any student having problems with alcohol or drugs.
Possession/Use First Offense When a student is found for the first time, in possession of, under the influence of, using drugs or alcohol, or paraphernalia on the way to or from school, at school, before, during, or after a school-sponsored event, the unauthorized substance or paraphernalia will be taken away from the student. The use of a Breathalyzer may be employed to students suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at school or school related activities. The police may be contacted whenever any individual is found in possession of illegal substances or is in violation of the law. Parents will be contacted to take the student home. If emergency services are needed, such services shall be contacted and the expense borne by the student and their family. Disciplinary Action First Offense
Any student who is found in possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be suspended from school for five school days and may be socially suspensed for up to 30 calendar days. As a condition of continued enrollment, the student, at the expense of the student's family/guardian, is required to meet with a drug/alcohol counselor or psychologist. Upon completion of counseling the student must submit a professional assessment to the Dean(s) of Students. The student shall be subject to random drug/alcohol testing, also at the family's expense for the duration of enrollment at SMHS. (If the student drives to school they will be required to park on campus.) The school is bound by law, as are individuals and families, and it will act in compliance with the law when circumstances indicate certain actions are necessary.
Note: Should a family refuse the recommended professional treatment, (including random drug testing), the school may permanently dismiss the student from Saint Mary's High School.
Possession/Use Second Offense Any repeated violation of the school's drug/alcohol policy will result in automatic dismissal from Saint Mary's High School.
Trafficking/Buying/Selling If a student is found to be trafficking-buying, giving away or offering to trade, sell, or give away alcohol/drugs, or anything passed off as drugs on the way to or from school, at school, before, during or after a school-sponsored event, the student will be dismissed immediately from Saint Mary's High School without the option of returning. The parents will be notified and the police may be contacted.
While we recognize the need for compassionate treatment of those addicted and seeking help, we also uphold the policy of not using drugs/alcohol anytime while on campus or at any off-campus Saint Mary's event. In accordance with this, we will maintain a NO TOLERANCE policy toward drug and alcohol use. Search of Personal Property
Inspection of personal property including (but not limited to) lockers and their contents, clothing pockets, backpacks and cars may be conducted by the Principal, Dean of Students or their designee for any reason, at any time, without notice and without student or parent consent.
Saint Mary's High School recognizes the hardship created by drugs and alcohol at the individual and community levels. In so doing we unite to provide a drug free environment, safe for student growth and learning. While we recognize the need for compassionate treatment of those addicted and seeking help, we also uphold the policy of not using drugs/alcohol any time while on campus or at any off-campus Saint Mary's event. In accordance with this, we will maintain a NO TOLERANCE policy toward drug and alcohol use. SMHS Administration has approved the use of drug dogs as a deterrent to the use of drugs and alcohol. Policy The policy relating to such abuses is designed to be preventative
in nature and is intended to help any student having problems with alcohol or drugs.
Possession/Use First Offense When a student is found for the first time, in possession of, under the influence of, using drugs or alcohol, or paraphernalia on the way to or from school, at school, before, during, or after a school-sponsored event, the unauthorized substance or paraphernalia will be taken away from the student. The use of a Breathalyzer may be employed to students suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at school or school related activities. The police may be contacted whenever any individual is found in possession of illegal substances or is in violation of the law. Parents will be contacted to take the student home. If emergency services are needed, such services shall be contacted and the expense borne by the student and their family. Disciplinary Action First Offense
Any student who is found in possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be suspended from school for five school days and may be socially suspensed for up to 30 calendar days. As a condition of continued enrollment, the student, at the expense of the student's family/guardian, is required to meet with a drug/alcohol counselor or psychologist. Upon completion of counseling the student must submit a professional assessment to the Dean(s) of Students. The student shall be subject to random drug/alcohol testing, also at the family's expense for the duration of enrollment at SMHS. (If the student drives to school they will be required to park on campus.) The school is bound by law, as are individuals and families, and it will act in compliance with the law when circumstances indicate certain actions are necessary.
Note: Should a family refuse the recommended professional treatment, (including random drug testing), the school may permanently dismiss the student from Saint Mary's High School.
Possession/Use Second Offense Any repeated violation of the school's drug/alcohol policy will result in automatic dismissal from Saint Mary's High School.
Trafficking/Buying/Selling If a student is found to be trafficking-buying, giving away or offering to trade, sell, or give away alcohol/drugs, or anything passed off as drugs on the way to or from school, at school, before, during or after a school-sponsored event, the student will be dismissed immediately from Saint Mary's High School without the option of returning. The parents will be notified and the police may be contacted.
While we recognize the need for compassionate treatment of those addicted and seeking help, we also uphold the policy of not using drugs/alcohol anytime while on campus or at any off-campus Saint Mary's event. In accordance with this, we will maintain a NO TOLERANCE policy toward drug and alcohol use. Search of Personal Property
Inspection of personal property including (but not limited to) lockers and their contents, clothing pockets, backpacks and cars may be conducted by the Principal, Dean of Students or their designee for any reason, at any time, without notice and without student or parent consent.