Administrative Regulation

AR 5131.6

Students

Alcohol And Other Drugs

Instruction

Students shall receive instruction by appropriately trained instructors about the nature and effects of alcohol and other drugs, including dangerous drugs defined by Health and Safety Code 11032. (Education Code 51260)

Site administrators shall determine that drug education instructors possess: (Education Code 51260)

1. The ability to interact with students in a positive way

2. Knowledge of the properties and effects of tobacco, alcohol, narcotics, dangerous drugs, and shared drug apparatus

3. Effective teaching skills and competency in helping students to express opinions responsibly and to become aware of their values as they affect drug-use decisions

At all grade levels, instruction shall include a study of the effects of alcohol and other drugs upon the human system, as determined by science. Instruction shall be sequential in nature and suited to meet the needs of students at their respective grade level. (Education Code 51203, 51260)

In grades 1 through 6, instruction in drug education should be given in health courses required by Education Code 51210. (Education Code 51260)

In grades 7 through 12, instruction in drug education shall be conducted in health courses and in any other appropriate area of study required by Education Code 51220. (Education Code 51260)

Secondary school instruction shall include a study of the effects of alcohol and other drugs upon prenatal development. (Education Code 51203)

(cf. 6143 - Courses of Study)

The district drug education program shall augment county drug education services, if any. District staff shall take every opportunity to cooperate with county office of education staff in planning and implementing collaborative alcohol and drug prevention programs. (Education Code 51260, 51268)

Intervention

The staff shall intervene whenever students use alcohol or other illegal drugs while on school property or under school jurisdiction. Staff members who believe that a student may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall immediately notify the principal or designee.

If the principal or designee knows, observes or suspects that a student may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he/she may notify the parent/guardian. (Education Code 44049)

However, school staff shall not disclose confidential information provided during counseling by a student 12 years of age or older. School counselors may report such information to the principal or parent/guardian only when they believe that disclosure is necessary to avert a clear and present danger to the health, safety or welfare of the student or other persons living in the school community. They shall not disclose such information to the parent/guardian if they believe that the disclosure would result in a clear and present danger to the student's health, safety or welfare. (Education Code 44049, 49602)

(cf. 5145.1 - Privacy)

In cases of medical emergency, the principal is authorized to call an ambulance to remove the student to a hospital. Parents/guardians will be notified of this action and shall be responsible for the incurred expenses.

(cf. 5141 - Health Care and Emergencies)

Enforcement/Discipline

Staff shall notify the principal or designee immediately upon suspecting a student is selling, providing or using alcohol or other drugs.

When any student uses, possesses or sells alcohol or illegal drugs at school or while under school jurisdiction, the following shall result:

1. Parent/guardian contact

2. Suspension or expulsion in accordance with law or Board policy

(cf. 5144.1 - Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process)

3. Contact with law enforcement authority within one school day of the suspension (Education Code 48902)

In addition, the following actions may be taken:

1. Referral to an appropriate counseling program

2. Transfer/alternative placement

3. Restriction from all extracurricular activities, including athletics, for the length of the semester

(cf. 6145 - Extracurricular and Cocurricular Activities)

Reports

Upon request, the Superintendent or designee shall submit alcohol and drug prevention program information to the California Department of Education, including information on the prevalence of drug use and violence by youth in the schools and community. Such information shall also be made readily available to the public. (20 USC 7117)

Regulation PALOS VERDES PENINSULA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

approved: May 24, 2001 Palo Verdes Estates, California