Federal, State & School Policies and Procedures

SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY FOR STUDENTS
General Overview
The Martha's Vineyard Public Schools Committee prohibits possession, use, purchase or sale of drugs, alcohol, drug paraphernalia or any controlled substance in any place or vehicle under school jurisdiction or at any school sponsored activity regardless of location. Attempted sale, purchase or distributions are likewise prohibited. The goal of this policy is to insure a drug free school environment. It is the policy of the district to recognize the dangers of the misuse of drugs and alcohol and to accept responsibility for promoting activities that will help students effectively cope with them. Towards this end, this policy focuses on:

  • The prevention of substance abuse in the school and community population.
  • The intervention of school authorities into suspected and actual cases of substance abuse.
  • The enforcement of a clear and consistent disciplinary code in matters pertaining to substance abuse.

    In all aspects of this policy, it is the district's position that early and prompt attention to potential and actual problems will minimize the instances of alcoholism and other chemical dependencies.

    A general aim of the school is to enlist the cooperation of students with respect to substance abuse problems. Efforts should be made by staff to encourage the student user to share his or her problem with parents, counselors, or other school staff members in order to obtain help. The school system will continue to provide, without penalties, assistance to students who are voluntarily seeking drug and alcohol treatment or advice and will continue to protect the due process rights of all students.

    A copy of the details of this policy is available upon request.

    Substance Abuse Policy
    The substance Abuse Policy includes a number of areas listed below. A copy of the details of this policy is available upon request.

  • Prevention
  • Procedure for Identifying and Referring Students Who May Have A Substance Abuse (Drug and/or Alcohol) Problem
  • Search
  • Confiscated Drugs/Alcohol
  • Intervention
  • Policy Enforcement
  • Re-entry