STUDENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE Express concern with education and prevention in all areas of substance abuse.

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1 The Monmouth Regional High School Board of Education recognizes that for the safety, well-being, health and welfare of its students, procedures must be adopted that will aid students in seeking help to correct possible drug dependency and/or abuse problems. The Monmouth Regional High School of Board of Education believes that an educational and therapeutic approach to the problem is more effective than one which is solely punitive in nature. The Monmouth Regional High School of Board of Education prohibits the use, possession or distribution of any "drug" by students, all Board of Education employees, and others on school property and at all school sponsored activities off school property (except as specified above). The Superintendent shall be responsible for the district's efforts to: 1 - Express concern with education and prevention in all areas of substance abuse. 2 - Establish and maintain realistic, meaningful substance abuse programs that shall be incorporated into the total educational process, and provide referral service information. Special attention shall be given to educate, change attitudes, values and behavior of the students with substance abuse problems. 3 - Establish and maintain on-going in-service substance abuse programs for all school personnel, and provide referral service information. 4 - Provide school guidance and substance abuse counseling for students involved in substance abuse. 5 - Consult and cooperate with local, state, federal and other approved agencies that are involved with student health and substance abuse. These agencies include but are not limited to: C.P.C. Mental Health Services, Division of Youth and Family Services, / Eatontown Medical Associates, Eatontown Police Department, Monmouth Medical Center Crisis Unit, Monmouth County Board of Human Services, Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Riverview Hospital, Tinton Falls Police, IMA Prevention First High Focus Community Y Dept of Human Services New Hope Crossroads

2 I. Definitions The following words and terms, when used in this policy, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Drugs" means: (1) Alcoholic beverages; (2) any controlled dangerous substance, as identified in N.J.S.A. 24:21-2; and (3) Any chemical or chemical compound which releases vapor or fumes causing a condition of intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, or dulling of the brain or nervous system including but not limited to glue containing a solvent having the property of releasing toxic vapors or fumes, as defined in N.J.S.A. 2A: (4) Any over the counter medication without a doctor s prescription N.J.S.A. 24: (5) Tobacco products "Evaluation" means those procedures used to determine a student's need for an educational program or treatment which extends beyond the regular school program by virtue of the use of alcohol or other drugs by the student. The provision of evaluation services for students who are affected by alcohol or other drug use. These services shall include any of the following: 1 - Examination by a physician for the purpose of diagnosing whether the student is under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs and medical clearance for the student to return to school; 2 - Evaluation by the child study team to determine a student's eligibility for special education and/or related services when the student has been identified as potentially educationally handicapped; 3 - Assessment by individuals who are certified by the New Jersey Department of Education State Board of Examiners as student assistance counselor/coordinator or by individuals who are appropriately certified by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners and trained in alcohol and other drug abuse prevention; and/or 4 Referral to appropriate counselor/agency. 5- Drug screen urine or blood levels "Intervention and referral to treatment" means those programs and services offered to help a student because of the use of alcohol or other drugs by the student. The provision of intervention and treatment-referral services for students who are affected by alcohol or other drug use. Intervention and treatment-referral shall be provided by individuals who are certified by the New Jersey Department of Education State Board of Examiners as Student Assistance Coordinator/Counselors or by individuals who are appropriately certified by the New Jersey State Board of Examiners and trained in alcohol and other drug abuse prevention. These programs and services shall include any of the following: 1 - Provisions for a program of instruction, counseling and related services provided by the district board of education while a student is receiving medical or therapeutic care for a diagnosed alcohol or other drug dependency problem; 2

3 2 - Referral to an appropriate community agency or counselor; 3 - Providing support services for students who are in care or returning from care for alcohol and other drug dependency. "Medical Inspector" means any physician paid by the Monmouth Regional High School Board of Education. "Qualified Medical Observer" means medically trained staff hired by the Monmouth Regional High School Board of Education. II. Cooperating with Law Enforcement: Procedures for cooperating with law enforcement drug operations and activities on or near school property have been developed in accordance with the provisions established in N.J.A.C. 6:3-6; III. Educational Programs: Parent/guardian substance abuse educational programs may be offered at times and places convenient to the parent/guardian residing in the district on school premises; referred to other educational and informational programs and facilities. Curriculum: Monmouth Regional High School shall incorporate into its curriculum at each grade level a minimum of 10 clock hours per school year of alcohol and other drug education, including tobacco and anabolic steroids, in accordance with Department of Education Chemical Health Guidelines, pursuant to N.J.S.A 1 8A:40A-1. 3

4 IV. Medication in School: In accordance with New Jersey State Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs Law; Title 24:21-16 to 18, medication will be administered to students by the school nurse only under the following conditions: 1 - Parent or guardian provides a written request for the administration of prescribed medication at school, AND 2 - Written orders are provided by the physician telling what the medication is for, side effects, and how often it is administered. 3 - Medication containers must be properly labeled by the pharmacy or physician and brought directly to the school nurse upon entering the school building. 4 - Over-the-counter medication including Advil, Tylenol, etc., as per MRHS s school physician s standing orders will not be administered by the school nurse without written parental/guardian consent. V. Distribution: Distribution does not necessarily mean sell. Passing or attempting to transfer drugs or imitations to another may be considered distribution - even if no money changes hands. N.J.S.A. 2C:35-2 VI. Student Organizations: Monmouth Regional encourages and supports student run organizations and activities that develop positive peer influence in the area of substance abuse. VII. Confidentiality: Monmouth Regional will comply with the confidentiality requirements established in federal regulations found at 42 CFR Part II. VIII. Policy Review: The Monmouth Regional staff will annually review the substance abuse policy and procedure with the Board of Education, and make recommendations for necessary modifications. Following consultation with representatives of the aforementioned agencies (Section I-5) and local community, parent groups, time in public session of the Board of Education will be allotted for annual review of this policy and procedures and public input and discussion. Monmouth Regional will disseminate substance abuse policy and procedures to students and parents/guardians at least annually. 4

5 IX. Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse Form: It will be the responsibility of the School Assistant Principal to complete and file the mandated Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse Incident Report Form. X Procedure 1. In accordance with N.J.S.A. 6:29-6.5, any staff member to whom it appears that a student may be currently under the influence of, or in possession of, alcoholic beverages or drugs on school property or at a school function shall report the matter immediately to the school nurse and the Assistant Principal. The behaviors include, but are not limited to those described on the SUBSTANCE ABUSE WARNING SIGNS CHECKLIST (copy attached). In the absence of the principal his/her designee shall be notified. In instances where the school nurse, medical inspector or the principal are not in attendance, the staff member responsible for the school function shall be immediately notified and obtain immediate medical assistance and follow with administrators. Note: A parent or legal guardian may notify a building administrator and/or the school nurse if there is reason to believe the student is currently under the influence of drugs. A Parental Request for drug testing shall be referred to the Student Assistance Counselor immediately. The Student Assistant Counselor will discuss the matter with the parent/guardian and coordinate with the school nurse and building administrator. If tested the student s identity and results will remain confidential and will not be reflected on the district s Violence and Substance Abuse Report in accordance with federal confidentiality laws. 2. The identifying staff member shall immediately accompany the student to the Health Office and the Assistant Principal s office will be notified. If the identifying staff member is not able to bring the student him/herself, an aide or other adult staff member must accompany the student. The student will be held there until the identifying staff member directly communicates with the Assistant Principal or his/her designee to-discuss behavior exhibited. Due to the need to protect confidentiality, there should not be any discussion with other individuals about suspicion of substance abuse. Discussion should take place only with the Assistant Principal/Health Office or his/her designee. If the Assistant Principal or his/her designee is unavailable, the responsibility will be assumed by the highest ranking administrator in the building. 3. The nurse will assess the student utilizing the Health Office Substance Abuse Assessment Inventory. The student shall be kept in a supervised, isolated area until any other action is taken. 4. The Assistant Principal or his or her designee shall immediately notify the parent or guardian and the chief school administrator and arrange for an immediate medical examination and urine testing of the student. If the parent/guardian can be contacted, they will be given the choice of (1) having the urine testing done by the school nurse at MRHS at the Board of Education s expense, but will also be required to immediately take their child for a physical examination at the nearest Emergency Medical Office (EMO), hospital, or private physician at the parent s expense. or (2) the urine testing and physical examination must be done immediately at zero tolerance by their own physician, emergency 5

6 room, or EMO at their expense but be advised... If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted, the urine testing will be done immediately at MRHS in the Health Office. Arrangements will be made to transport the student to receive medical attention and examination at the parent/guardian expense. 5. In the event that the parent/guardian refuses to have the student tested and examined by a physician within 24 hours of their notification, the student and parent/guardian will be reported to Division of Youth and Family Services, for medical neglect, (if the student is under 18 years of age). The Assistant Principal or his/her designee will also notify the local police, and file a complaint, indicating that the parent/guardian is violating the Substance Abuse Law N.J.S.A. Title 18-A:40A, (if the student is 18 years of age or older). The student will automatically be excluded from school until a urine screening and medical clearance, at the parent's expense, have been forwarded to the Assistant Principal or his/her designee, on the MONMOUTH REGIONAL EXAMINING PHYSICIAN ASSESSMENT SHEET and the MONMOUTH REGIONAL CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT SCREENING SHEET (copies attached). When a urine specimen is determined to be diluted and/or tampered with, subsequent urine samples are required to be tested until no dilution or tampering is evident. Refusal to cooperate and/or produce a sample of urine, will be considered a positive result. The student will be detained until procedures to help him/her produce a urine sample has been completed. When parents agree to take the student to their physician of choice, failure to demonstrate proof of the collection of urine and/or blood prior to the next school day, will be considered a positive result and district procedures will be implemented. 6. A written report (EXAMINING PHYSICIAN ASSESSMENT SHEET form E attached), must be furnished by the examining physician to the parent/guardian providing medical findings and clearance to the school nurse within 24 hours and reported to the Assistant Principal. If medically cleared the student shall be allowed to return to school pending the results of the chemical screening (Chemical Assessment Screening Form D Attached). The student must report to the Assistant Principal s Office before returning to classes. In addition, the Assistant Principal shall complete the Violence, Vandalism and Substance Abuse Incident Report, as required by the State of New Jersey. 7. Refusal or failure by a parent or legal guardian to comply with the provisions of the N.J.S.A. 18A:40A-12 shall be deemed a violation of the compulsory education (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 and 18A:38-31) and/or child neglect (N.J.S.A. 9:6-1 et.seq.) laws. In these circumstances, the Division of Youth and Family Services will be notified of the failure to comply. Failure by the student to follow the recommendation of the Student Assistance Counselor or a treatment program, will result in disciplinary action. The parent and student are required to sign a medical release form C (MEDICAL INFORMATION RELEASE - form C attached) to release information to the school nurse/student Assistance Counselor. 6

7 In-Committee: May 05, 1987 First Reading May 19, 1987 Second Reading June 02, 1987 Adopted June 16, 1987 First Reading October 16, 1990 Second Reading November 06, 1990 Adopted November 06, 1990 First Reading February 18, 1992 Second Reading March 03, 1992 Adopted March 03, 1992 In Committee: October 29, 1997 First Reading: November 4, 1997 Second Reading: November 18, 1997 Adoption: November 18, 1997 In Committee: December 15, 2009, January 19, 2010, February 16, 2010 First Reading: March 2, 2010 Second Reading: March 30, 2010 Adoption: March 30, 2010 In Committee: May 14, 2012 First Reading: June 5, 2012 Second Reading: June 19, 2012 Adoption: June 19,