5512.01 - DRUG, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO POLICY FOR CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Vandalia-Butler City School District

Bylaws & Policies

5512.01 - DRUG, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO POLICY FOR CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Vandalia-Butler Board of Education recognizes the value of co-curricular activities in the educational process, and the values that students develop when they have the opportunity to participate in organized activities supplemental to the classroom. The Board believes co-curricular activities are an integral and important part in the development of a student's educational program. However, participation in co-curricular activities is a privilege, and not a right. Students who participate in co-curricular activities are expected to accept the responsibility accompanying this privilege of participation by maintaining a high standard of personal conduct in the areas of sportsmanship, citizenship, ethics, and integrity.

Purpose. The purpose of this policy is to provide students participating in co-curricular programs, their parents or guardians, and other interested persons, with a guide to the operation of interscholastic athletic and co-curricular activities of the Vandalia-Butler City School District. Students participating in all co-curricular activities are expected to adhere not only to the specific rules set forth in this policy and the Student Conduct Code, but also those special rules set forth for each activity.

Policy Statement. The use of alcohol, drugs, and/or tobacco has a negative effect on behavior, learning and performance. In addition, such use adversely affects students, fellow participants, family members, and the school community at large. During their school career, students who participate in any school-sponsored co-curricular activity shall not possess, use, sell, give or otherwise transmit, any drug, alcohol or tobacco. This policy is in effect year round for students involved in any co-curricular activities. This policy will be enforced, and students will be disciplined for violation of this policy throughout the entire twelve (12) months of the year. Students will be held accountable for violations even if not participating in a co-curricular activity at the time the violation occurs. Violations are cumulative. Middle school accumulation ends at the conclusion of the eighth grade. High school accumulation begins with the ninth grade and concludes with high school graduation, unless the student participates in a school-sponsored activity which extends beyond the graduation date. Disciplinary action for violation of the rules set forth in this policy may include denial to participate in co-curricular activities, and/or suspension, expulsion, or removal from school pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct and the R.C. 3313.66.

Definitions. The following terms shall be defined as follows when used in this policy:

	A.	Alcohol
		Any liquor, wine, beer or beverage containing intoxicating substances.
	B.	Drug
		Any drug including illegal drugs, narcotics, hallucinogens, cocaine, amphetamine, steroids, barbiturates, marijuana, inhalants, controlled substance, prescription and over the counter drugs used or possessed or distributed for unauthorized purposes, and counterfeit (look alike) substances.
	C.	Drug Paraphernalia
		Equipment or apparatus designed for or used for the purpose of measuring, packaging, distributing or facilitating the use of drugs, including but not limited to pipes, roach clips, syringes, hypodermic needles, cocaine spoons or kits.
	D.	Tobacco
		Any product with tobacco as an ingredient that is smoked, chewed, inhaled, or placed against the gums.
	E.	Distributing
		Making available to or providing to another individual (even if not for profit) any alcohol, drug, or tobacco product.
	F.	Co-Curricular Activity
		An activity sponsored by, supported by, and identified by the Board which is an extension of the "normal" school day. Co-curricular activities include but are not limited to all athletics, instrumental and choral groups, student government, drama, cheerleading, kickline, all school-sponsored and Board-approved trips.
	G.	One Calendar Year
		365 days from the date of the infraction.
	H.	Leadership Position
		Any elected or appointed office in a co-curricular activity.

Offenses:

	A.	Use, distribution or possession of alcohol, drugs, and drug, paraphernalia is prohibited throughout the calendar year.
	B.	Use, distribution or possession of tobacco products is prohibited throughout the calendar year.

Penalties:

First Offense:

		1.	Student will be denied participation in a portion of the remaining co-curricular activity. The penalty imposed on athletes will consist of denial to participate in two (2) games, and may carry over to the next sport season. An out of season violation will result in denial to participate after cuts are made in the student's next sports season.
		2.	Student forfeits privilege to serve in any leadership position for one (1) calendar year.

Second Offense:

		1.	Student will be denied participation in all co-curricular activities for one (1) calendar year.
		2.	Student forfeits privilege to serve in any leadership position for the remainder of the student' s high school career.

	C.	Third Offense:
		Student will be denied participation in all co-curricular activities for the remainder of the student's high school career.

Mandatory Assessment for First Referral. A student who commits a first offense involving drugs or alcohol under this policy will be required, as a condition of continued participation in co-curricular activities, to undergo an assessment by a certified drug and alcohol counselor. A copy of the assessment, with any ongoing recommendations for treatment or intervention, will be sent to the building principal, and the student will be required to comply with the recommendations.

Notification Procedures. Students who participate in co-curricular activities and their parents/guardians are to be advised of this Policy at the beginning of each season, activity, or at time of entry into a program. This policy is to be explained to the student by the coach, advisor, Director of Athletics, or teacher.

Relationship of this Policy to Code of Student Conduct. This policy supplements the District's Code of Student Conduct, and is administered independently of that Code. A violation of the policy may also independently violate Code of Student Conduct. A student may be disciplined under the Student Conduct Code in addition to being disciplined under this policy.

Costs. All costs for any rehabilitation programs or counseling for tobacco, alcohol or drug use shall be the responsibility of the student and his/her parents/guardians.

General Prohibition against Drug and Alcohol Use on School Grounds. Co-curricular activities provide an excellent opportunity for students, families, friends, and other members of the school community to come together in a positive community atmosphere. Drugs and alcohol are detrimental to this atmosphere and thus has no place at these activities. Therefore, the use or possession of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited on school grounds before, during, and after co-curricular activities. The term "school grounds" includes, but is not limited to, school buildings, athletic facilities, auditoriums, parking lots, and all other property used in connection with a co-curricular activity that is owned by the District. This prohibition expressly applies to any person, including but not limited to parents and other non-students. Any person found in violation of this policy will be immediately removed from school grounds and may be excluded form future school activities on school property for up to three (3) months at the discretion of the Superintendent.

Revised 5/25/10