USE OF WEAPONS, DRUGS & ALCOHOL

The Blind Brook Public School District is committed to providing a safe environment for students and staff. Therefore, no person shall have in his or her possession upon school premises any dangerous weapon, including but not limited to a rifle, shotgun, pistol, revolver, other firearms, knives, dangerous chemicals, explosives, laser pointers, or any object which is not necessary for school activities and which could be used as a weapon. A weapon is defined as any instrument capable of firing a projectile, the frame or receiver of any such a weapon, firearm muffler or silencer, any explosive device, or any other instrument capable of inflicting bodily harm.

In accordance with Goals 2000: Education America Act (Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994) any student who after a hearing held pursuant to Education Law #3214, is found guilty of bringing a dangerous weapon or firearm, as defined in federal law, onto school property will be subject to at least a one-year suspension from school. However, in determining an appropriate penalty, the Superintendent will review the penalty and may modify such suspension on a case-by-case basis. If the Superintendent believes a one year suspension penalty to be excessive, the penalty may be modified based on criteria including but not limited to:

• The age of the student;
• The student’s grade in school;
• The student’s prior disciplinary record;
• The Superintendent’s belief that other forms of discipline may be effective;
• Input from parents, teachers, and/or others; and
• Other extenuating circumstances.

The term “drugs”, alcohol and other substances” shall be construed throughout this policy to refer to the use of all substances including, but not limited to alcohol, tobacco, inhalants, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, amphetamines, heroin, steroids, and any of those substances commonly referred to as “designer Drugs” as well as controlled substances as defined by the New York State Penal Code, including the inappropriate use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. This policy describes the philosophy of the District and the program elements the District will use to promote healthy life style choices for its students and to inhibit the use/abuse of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.

The District will use the following principles as guides for the development of its substance abuse prevention and intervention efforts and for any disciplinary measures related to drug, alcohol, and other substance abuse.

Primary Prevention Activities - The intent of primary prevention programming within the curriculum is to prevent the onset of drug, alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use by students.

Intervention – The intent of intervention programming is to eliminate any existing use/abuse of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, and to identify and provide supportive services to kindergarten through grades 12 students at high risk for such use/abuse.

No person may use, possess, sell or distribute drugs, alcohol, or other substances or use or possess drug paraphernalia on school grounds or at school-sponsored events that occur on or off school property. Exceptions are drugs prescribed by a physician, which may only be dispensed and handled during school hours or at school activities by the school nurse. The inappropriate use of prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs shall also be prohibited.