The board recognizes that the abuse of alcohol, and the use and abuse of controlled illegal additives, or harmful substances including anabolic steroids is a societal problem and may represent an impairment to the normal development, well-being and academic performance of students. To ensure the safety, health and well-being of all students, the board is committed to the development of a program which emphasizes drug and alcohol abuse prevention, intervention, aftercare support and necessary corrective actions. The program will address the legal, social and health consequences of drug and alcohol use, and provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs or alcohol. The program will be age-appropriate and developmentally based for all students in all grades.
The Board of Directors recognizes that all students have a right to attend school in an environment conducive to learning. The district shall maintain an educational environment free of alcohol and other drugs. The board also recognizes the effects to the school, home and community resulting from the abuse of alcohol and the use and abuse of controlled illegal, addictive or harmful substances including anabolic steroids. While the primary obligation to seek assistance rests with the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s), school staff shall work with the home and community to develop and implement a comprehensive prevention and intervention program. The board shall direct the superintendent to seek the support, cooperation and coordination of public and private agencies through formation of an advisory committee, including representatives from the instructional staff, students, parents, state and local law enforcement staff and the county coordinator of alcohol and drug treatment or a representative of a treatment provider.
The superintendent or designee is directed to develop and implement procedures to assess the scope of the problem of the use of addictive substances such as alcohol, drugs and nicotine, and to reduce and/or eliminate the problems associated with the use of alcohol, drugs and nicotine.
Parents and interested community members are encouraged to visit the school and/or classroom to observe classroom activities and review instructional materials. At the conclusion of each year, the district will evaluate the effectiveness of the program.
Cross References:
Staff Assistance Program - Policy 5203
Legal References:
Substance Abuse Awareness program—Intent - RCW 28A.170.075
Prohibition on use of tobacco products on school property - 28A.210.310
Safe and Drug-free Schools and Communities Act - 20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.
Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: October 1988
Revised by the Board: 10.89, 1.92, 1.08
Classification: Discretionary