PHILOSOPHY

West Fargo Public Schools shall strive to provide a learning environment that is safe, drug free, and conducive to learning.  This policy is designed to help eradicate the influence of drugs and alcohol within the school environment, promote awareness and health, and protect students in the school environment by imposing consequences for drug and alcohol related violations.

In order for a student to carry and administer his or her own prescription or over the counter medication, the Request and Authorization for Student Self-Administration of Medication Form (ACBD-E5) must be completed in its entirety and on file in the school office prior to use of said medication.  Over-the-counter medication must be in the original manufacturer’s container listing ingredients, recommended dosage, expiration date, administration instructions, and storage instructions. Prescription medications must be supplied in the original pharmacy-labeled container and include the name and phone number of the pharmacy. The container must list, in legible format, the name of the student, student’s date of birth, name of the prescription medication, dose, expiration date, storage instructions (if any), administration directions, and number or amount of medication included. Please see the Medication Administration Policy (ACBD-AP) for further information.

PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

It shall be against school policy for any student to:

1. Possess or administer any prescription or over the counter medication without the Request and Authorization for Student Self-Administration of Medication Form (ACBD-E5) completed in its entirety and on file in the school office prior to use of said medication. Please see the Medication Administration Policy (ACBD-AP) for further information.
2. Sell, deliver, or give, or attempt to sell, deliver, or give to any person any of the substances listed in this policy or sell, deliver, or give, or attempt to sell, deliver, or give to any person substances the student represents or believes to be a substance(s) listed in this policy.
3. Possess, procure, purchase, or receive, or to attempt to possess, procure, purchase, or receive the substances listed in this policy or what is represented by or to the student to be any of the substances listed in this policy or what the student believes is any of the substances in this policy.  A student will be determined to be "in possession" when the substance is on the student's person or in the student's locker, car, handbag, or when s/he owns it completely or partially.
4. Be under the influence of (legal intoxication not required), use, consume, or attempt to use or consume the substances listed as prohibited in this policy or what is represented by or to the student to be any of the substances listed in this policy or what the student believes is any of the substances in this policy.
5. Knowingly or intentionally aiding or abetting in any of the above activities.

This policy applies to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance at school, at a school-sponsored activity, or whose off-campus conduct is reasonably predicted to substantially disrupt the operations of the District, district safety, or welfare of students or employees.

PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

1. Alcohol, powdered alcohol, or any alcoholic beverage;
2. Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by NDCC Sections 19-03.1-05 through 19-03.1-13 and 19-03.1-26 (paraphernalia) or as defined by Section 812, Schedules I-V, of Title 21, United States Code, Section 801, et seq., including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, any hallucinogen, any stimulant or depressant, and all other illicit drugs;
3. Any glue, aerosol paint, or any other chemical substance used for inhalation;
4. Any prescription or non-prescription medication, drug, vitamin or chemical not administered and/or taken with appropriate consent and authorization from parents, school administration, and, if applicable, a health care provider.
5. The District has a separate policy dealing with tobacco use.

REPORTING VIOLATIONS

A student or staff member that has reason to believe that a student has violated this policy should notify a school official (i.e., a teacher or administrator if the reporter is a student; a school administrator if the reporter is a district staff member).  Except in limited circumstances under law,[1] a teacher is required to report known or suspected violations of this policy to the school principal.

VIOLATION

When a principal has reasonable suspicion that a student has violated this policy, s/he may search the student in accordance with the district’s policy on searches of students’ personal property.

Disciplinary sanctions will be imposed on, and additional actions may be taken (as listed below) in response to, any violation of this policy.  These sanctions may include suspension or expulsion, intervention (as described below), and notification of proper authorities for prosecution.  Prohibited substances will be confiscated and illegal substances will be turned over to law enforcement authorities.

INTERVENTIONS

It is acknowledged that the public school has neither the authority nor the responsibility to make medical or health determinations regarding chemical dependency; however, when observed behavior indicates that a problem exists that may affect the student's ability to learn or the educational climate of the school, the school has a right and a responsibility to refer the student for a formal chemical dependency diagnosis. The Superintendent shall develop a procedure for chemical dependency identification and referral for treatment.

Referral for treatment shall be a constructive not punitive action; however, use of the treatment program shall not override or prohibit the District from taking disciplinary action for violations of this policy.

The school will make a reasonable effort to cooperate with a therapy program if one is recommended for the student.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The district shall maintain the confidentiality of students referred for counseling and chemical dependency treatment in accordance with the district’s policy on counseling records.

EDUCATION

The district will teach about drugs and alcohol in an age appropriate developmentally based education and prevention program in every grade in accordance with law.  This program will include information about drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation programs available to the students.

In addition, the District will conduct staff orientation and training on drug and alcohol prevention, including a periodic overview of this policy and its procedures for implementation.  The District will also provide parent and community education on the topic of drug and alcohol prevention.

POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

Student handbooks shall contain a statement of sanctions required concerning the possession, use, or distribution of drugs and/or alcohol.

The West Fargo School District will review this policy and its implementation periodically to ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently applied and to determine the effectiveness of the program for the prevention of alcohol and other drug use/abuse.

Adopted:  01/30/84
Reviewed: 07/10/17
Revised:  04/08/91
06/08/95
01/26/09
07/11/17
01/09/18

[1] When a teacher/principal participates in a juvenile court program and receives confidential information about a student.