Page 33 - Padua_Parent-Student Handbook_2021-2022

Alcohol and Drugs
Padua Franciscan High School has a strict policy with regard to the bringing of illegal drugs to school. This includes the building, grounds, and other off-limits areas. Even first-time offenders who violate this policy may be dismissed.
Drug sniffing dogs or other controlled substance detecting devices may be used to detect the presence of drugs or other controlled substances on school grounds (i.e. lockers, individuals, vehicles, etc.) or at school sponsored functions.
The use of alcohol and other controlled substances, whether on school property or at any school-sponsored activity, is also a serious matter, so serious enough to warrant suspension, probation, or dismissal by the school. Activities that would lead to such consequences include:
1. the use, possession, or sale of alcohol
2. behavior which indicates that a student is under the influence of a controlled substance
3. the possession of drug paraphernalia
Members of the school's staff or those acting in the name of the school are responsible for the enforcement of the alcohol or illegal drug policies of the school regarding the use, possession, sale, and behavior which indicates that a student is under the influence. A breathalyzer test may be administered by a police officer. If a breathalyzer test is not available for the determination of being “under the influence,” then that judgment will be made by a responsible adult; parents/guardians may discuss the judgment in a meeting with the Assistant Principal of Men or Women and the responsible adult.
In the process of enforcing these policies, the members of the school's staff or those acting in the name of the school observe the following procedures:
Based on policy, if it has been determined that a student is or has been under the influence, the first and immediate concern must be for the welfare of the student, after which:
1. During school hours
a. the student is taken immediately to the Office of the Assistant Principal of Men or Women. b. a written statement of the circumstances is completed
c. from this point, the situation becomes the responsibility of the Administration.
2. Outside school hours on campus or at a school-sponsored activity
a. the student is taken to a location which is closed from the mainstream of activity;
b. the Assistant Principal of Men or Women is notified in person, if he or she is present, or by phone;
the Assistant Principal of Men or Women cannot be reached, another Administrator is notified; c. the parents/guardians of the student are notified by phone
d. if a student is judged to have used alcohol or drugs, he or she is to be held until the
student can be released to the custody of his or her parents/guardians; if a parent or guardian cannot come, they will be released to the authorities; under no circumstances will such a student be released to the custody of other students;
e. on the next school day, a written statement of the circumstances will be submitted to the office of the Assistant Principal of Men or Women.
f. from this point, the situation is the responsibility of the Administration.
In the case of student use of alcohol or other chemical substances, the disciplinary sanctions will be at least a five-day suspension, a urinary drug screen, and the requirement of a professional assessment, the level of which will be designated by the school administration. The parents and student will be required to sign a release allowing designated school officials to consult with the assessment agency. Allowing for the discretionary judgment of the Principal, a recommendation of probation or dismissal may be made by the Disciplinary Review Board.
Parents/guardians are reminded that, according to Ohio law, they are held responsible for illegal drug usage (including alcohol) in their homes even if they are not at home at the time of the usage.
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