Revised Drug and Alcohol Policy Reading at School Committee

The School Committee recently read and approved the first reading of the revised Drug and Alcohol Possession or Use in School Facilities and at School Functions policy and Chemical Health Regulations for high school students, according to the Chronicle.

The Drug and Alcohol Possession or Use in School Facilities and at School Functions policy states that the "School Committee prohibits the possession of, use of, serving of, or consumption of any alcoholic beverage and the possession, use and/or distribution of illegal substances on school property or at any school function, regardless of the functions physical location. For the purposes of this policy and the ensuing regulations, possession is defined by M.G.L. c.138, §34C and any related case law."

According to Superintendent John Doherty, "the policy did not change drastically."

He went on to say that the biggest change was that the following was inserted:

"In addition, students in possession or deemed to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs while in school or at a school-sponsored event will need to participate in and complete an approved program that focuses on one of the following areas: health education, chemical dependency, substance abuse counseling, or treatment. The content, nature, and length of the program will be determined by the building principal and based upon the nature of the violation."

The Chemical Health Regulations for High School Students states that use or possession of alcohol or drugs is prohibited during school or any event. 

The following types of alcohol and drugs are included in the policy:

• Tobacco (nicotine found in cigarettes, cigars, bidis and smokeless tobacco)
• Alcohol (ethyl alcohol found in liquor, beer, wine)
• Cannabinoids (marijuana, hashish)
• Opioids (heroin, opium),
• Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine)
• Club Drugs (Ecstasy, GHB, Rohypnol®,
• Dissociative Drugs (Ketamine, PCPC and analogs, Salvia divinorum, and DXM (Dextromethorphan, robotripping)
• Hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline, psilocybin (mushrooms)
• Other compounds (anabolic steroids, bath salts)
• Inhalants
• Non-prescribed prescription drugs (depressants, stimulants, opioid pain relievers)
• Other performance enhancing stimulants
• Other performance enhancing supplements
• Any controlled substance as defined in M.G.L. 94C.
• Non-alcohol/near beer

"Students in possession or deemed to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs while in school or at a school-sponsored event will be subject to suspension of 5 to 10 days and/or other disciplinary action (including expulsion) deemed appropriate by the school administration," according to the policy.

In addition, students in possession or under the influence of alcohol or drugs "will need to participate in and complete an approved program that focuses on one of the following areas: health education, chemical dependency, substance abuse counseling, or treatment."