A. ALCOHOL AND DRUG USER
5.10.11
When a student
shows a marked change in his classroom attendance, his academic achievement, and his
physical and emotional growth pattern, and the staff member has reason to believe
that the student is involved either in drug taking or alcohol usage, he must seek to
help the student by making a confidential request for assistance through the
administration.
The school
policy and procedures for dealing with students who appear to be under the influence
of alcohol or drugs are basically the same as those used for any students showing
signs of illness. The staff member should not make a direct accusation, but rather
make the action straight-forward and objective.
Those students
misusing alcohol and drugs in and out of school are encouraged by the administration
and staff to speak to the school nurse or the school adjustment counselor who in turn
will refer the individual to the source or sources which will provide any services
necessary for rehabilitation.
If it has been
established that drug or alcohol usage is involved, the school administration then
works with a doctor and the family in aiding the student. The parents will be urged
to see to it that the student receives the proper therapy; however, if the parents
cannot be involved in helping the student, the case should be handled by the school
guidance department and all the resources that can be utilized by the
administration.
The school will
utilize the facilities of co-operating agencies throughout Massachusetts in making
referrals that will provide better services to the Millis community. It is only by
utilizing the combined strength of the teachers, administration, counselors, nurses,
law enforcement agencies, churches, and mental health clinics that society will be
able to alleviate the drug and alcohol problem.