Sudan Independent School District
Deterrents to the Use of Drugs
2003-2004 School Year
Objectives
1. To educate children and adults as to the
serious physical, mental, and emotional
harm caused by the use of drugs.
2. To provide a deterrent to the use of illegal drugs by students of Sudan ISD.
3. To give students a valid reason to resist peer pressure to use drugs.
4. To maintain a school environment free of drug use and its effect.
Introduction
It is the intent and desire of the Sudan Independent
School District to promote a drug and alcohol free student body. Members of the
Sudan Board of Trustees, District Wide Decision Making Committee, community,
parents, and staff, joined forces in the fall of 2003, to address a drug use
and abuse problem that had become evident in the preceding months. Evidence
that there was a problem with experimentation and use of drugs and alcohol came
by way of discussions with students and parents, an increasing number of
discipline referrals, and observations of changing behavior patterns in
students.
The determination was reached that the school and community must come together
and give our kids a reason to say “no” to the use and abuse of
drugs. The site-based committee composed of school staff, community members,
parents of students, and administrators met in October, 2003. The group came to
the consensus that we need to focus in on the following:
**A rehabilitative plan
**Increased education for children, parents, and community
**Use of drug dogs in the school
**Drug testing
The committee meeting was held to review and revise the plan. The revised plan
will be brought to the community in a community-wide meeting. The proposed plan
to test all students in extracurricular activities, grades 7-12, with all results
reported to the school was presented to the board of trustees of the Sudan ISD
at the November 2003 board meeting for their approval. The board of trustees
adopted the plan during the December 2003 board meeting, and the drug deterrent
policy will be implemented in January 2004. After implementation of this plan,
the site-based committee will periodically reconvene to discuss the impact and
make recommendations for upcoming school years.
PROHIBITED BEHAVIOR
Illegal Drugs
The use, sale, or offer to sell, purchase, transfer, manufacture, or possession
in any detectable manner of an illegal drug or alcohol, by any student, on or
off school property, is strictly prohibited.
Drug Paraphernalia
The sale, offer to sell, purchase, transfer, manufacture, or possession of
drug paraphernalia by any student, on or off school property, is strictly
prohibited.
EDUCATION
Education of students, staff, parents, and the community is an
ongoing process. In an effort to increase the effectiveness of the education of
the above mentioned groups, we look to use the following means of education:
**Teacher/Staff Training
**Texas Prevention Curriculum Guide: Drug and Violence Education
**Character Education-New Focus and Governor’s Character Curriculum
**Mentoring
**Counseling-Both Individual and Group
**Parent Education
**Community Coordination Activities
**Community Service Projects
**Special One Time Events, Assemblies, and Red Ribbon Week
**Surveys
**Conflict Resolution Training for Students and Staff
**Crisis Plan Education
USE OF TRAINED DOGS
The district has the authority to use specially trained non-aggressive dogs
to sniff out and alert officials to the current presence of concealed
prohibited items, illicit substances, and alcohol. The objective of this
program is to maintain a safe school environment conducive to education. Such
visits to school shall be unannounced and will be carried out according to
board policy FNF (LEGAL) and FNF (LOCAL).
Students will be notified that:
1. Lockers may be sniffed by trained dogs at any time.
2. Vehicles parked at school may be sniffed by trained dogs at any time.
3. Classrooms and other common areas may be sniffed by trained dogs at any time
when students are not present.
4. If a dog alerts to a locker, a vehicle, or an item in a classroom, it may be
searched by school officials, and parents will be notified.
5. If contraband of any kind is found the processing student shall be subject
to appropriate
disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student
handbook.
DRUG TESTING
Participants
The Board encourages students to participate in school-sponsored
extracurricular activities but believes the opportunity to participate is a
privilege offered to eligible students on an equal opportunity basis. The use
of alcohol or other drugs by students participating in extracurricular
activities presents a hazard to the health, safety, and welfare of the student
participant. The Board believes testing student participants in
school-sponsored extracurricular activities serves the important purpose of
detecting and preventing illegal drug and alcohol use among students.
“School-sponsored extracurricular activity” means, without
limitation, all interscholastic athletics, cheerleading, academic clubs, special
interest clubs, musical performances, dramatic productions, student government,
fine arts organizations, industrial technology and agricultural organizations,
and any other activity or group that participates in contests, competitions, or
community service projects on behalf of or as a representative of the District.
Students, grades 7-12, who attend Sudan ISD and participate in extracurricular
activities, drive to school, or are enrolled in driver training, and all other
students who volunteer will be tested.
Contract
All students who will participate in extracurricular activities, driver
education, or drive to school, and their parents/guardian will be required to
sign a consent form agreeing to be a part of the drug testing program for Sudan
ISD. The form will only have to be signed once and will be valid for the entire
time the student is enrolled at Sudan ISD. For the 2003-04 school year, all
participating students will take a mandatory drug test on or after January 19,
2004, and all students will be involved in random testing equivalent to a
minimum of 20 percent of the group per month, during the year. In subsequent
years, all students will again be tested at the beginning of the year. Students
entering the district after the first day will be given the test at the random
testing date. Parental consent for a student to submit to biological testing is
required as a condition, grades 7 through 12, to be able to participate in
extracurricular activities, to enroll in driver’s education, or to drive
a vehicle to school. Refusal by a student or his/her parent/guardian, to submit
to biological testing, will result in a forfeiture of rights to participate in
the above named activities. Voluntary participation by students not included in
the above named activities is encouraged.
Drug Testing Procedures
Testing will be conducted by licensed professionals, and lab work will be done
at a government certified lab. Students and staff will be required to produce a
urine sample, which will be divided into two separate bottles and sealed, in
the event a confirmation test is needed. Students and/or parents/guardians will
have the opportunity to provide information concerning prescription medication
being taken by the student. Parents can also request to be in attendance during
testing.
Confirmation of Positive Test Result
Testing of a specimen is a two-step process. If the initial screening test
is positive, it will be confirmed by a second test, using the gas
chromatography/mass spectrometry technique, on the same specimen. A sample
shall not be reported as positive unless both tests are positive.
Appeal Process
Parents/guardians of any student testing positive will have an opportunity to
request a second test, using the second specimen bottle originally obtained,
within seventy-two hours of the initial test. Parents may choose the certified
lab to be used for the second test. If the results of the retest are negative,
the school district will reimburse the student for the cost of the retest, and
the student will remain in good standing. If the retest results are positive,
the parents/guardians are responsible for the cost of the retest, and the
student will be subject to consequences as per this policy, the student code of
conduct, and the student handbook.
Confidentiality
All information relating to biological testing or the identification of persons
as users of illegal drugs will be protected by Sudan ISD as confidential,
unless otherwise required by law, overriding public health and safety concerns,
or authorized in writing by the person (parent or guardian) in question.
Results of tests will be known only to the parents/guardians of the student in
question and to the administrator(s) involved. No action will be taken until
the appeal process has been completed. Activity sponsors and coaches will be
notified of suspension from activities, after the appeal process is completed.
Consequences
Consequences are cumulative in grades 7-9. Once the student has completed the
ninth grade, the consequences are cumulative in grades 10-12. All students
coming in new to the district will begin with a clean record.
Refer to the student handbooks and Student Code of Conduct for consequences
concerning confirmed use and/or admittance of alcohol use, by students on campus
or at school-related functions. Consequences for a positive drug test
(mandatory, random, or reasonable suspicion) and for confirmed use or
admittance of drug use of possession, away from school, are as follows:
Additional Testing
Any student testing positive will be removed from the random testing pool and
will be required to be tested at the time of each random testing, for a minimum
period of one calendar year from the date of the first offense.
Implementation of Plan
Implementation of the plan will take place in the second semester of the
2003-2004 school year. Participating students, grades 7-12, will have a one
time, thirty-day grace period after being notified by mail of the program,
prior to mandatory testing being performed. In addition, any student, during
the thirty-day grace period, will be allowed to ask for assistance with a
substance abuse problem. Any student asking for assistance after the thirty-day
grace period will be considered as a first positive test. The voluntary admittance
of a substance abuse problem by a student during the first thirty days will
result in the individual having the following consequences:
**Mandatory substance abuse counseling as approved by the Sudan ISD.
**Mandatory test at the end of thirty days with mandated monthly testing for
one calendar year.
**No suspension from activities unless a subsequent positive test occurs.
**Will not be considered a first
time positive test
Definitions
Activities--Clubs and organizations, band, athletic programs, cheerleading,
literary activities, one act play, including all performances, contests,
demonstrations, and other events of these above-mentioned activities.
Biological Testing--for this plan, the scientific analysis of a specimen
(with the exception of reasonable suspicion tests for alcohol, which may be
conducted by a urinalysis, breathalyzer, or saliva test) for the purpose of
detecting an illegal drug or alcohol.
Drug Paraphernalia--any equipment, product, or material that is used, or
is intended to be used, to conceal, inject, inhale, or otherwise introduce into
the human body, an illegal drug.
Good Standing--Having met requirements in order to be able to pursue all
educational and extracurricular activities as are available, with no
restrictions or consequences.
Illegal Drug--any drug which is not legally obtainable; any drug which
is legally obtainable, but has not been legally obtained; any prescribed drug
not being used for the prescribed purpose; any over-the-counter drug being used
at a dosage level different than recommended by the manufacturer, being used
for a purpose other than intended by the manufacturer; and any drug being used
for a purpose not in accordance with bona fide medial therapy. Examples of
illegal drugs include, but are not limited to: cannabis substances such as
marijuana and hashish, cocaine, heroin, phencyclidine, PCP, and so-called
designer drugs, and look-alike drugs.
Possession--the presence of any detectable amount of an illegal
substance, whether on the person, their personal or assigned property, or in
their body system.
Premises of Sudan ISD--all property of the school district, including, but
not limited to, the facilities and surrounding areas on district-owned or
leased property, parking lots, and storage areas. The term also includes school
district owned, leased, or used vehicles and equipment, wherever located.
According to state law, Sudan ISD extends within 300 feet of school property.
Random Drug Testing--a testing process in which selection for testing is
made by a method employing objective, neutral criteria, which ensures that
every person subject to testing has a substantially equal statistical chance of
being selected. This method does not permit subjective factors to play a role
in selection.
Reasonable Suspicion--based on specific personal observation concerning the
appearance, speech, or behavior of the student that indicates the effects of
drug or alcohol use. Information provided by a reliable source, if based on
personal knowledge, may also constitute reasonable suspicion.
Under the Influence--a condition in which a person is affected by a drug
or alcohol in any detectable manner.
Sudan
Independent School District
Parental Consent For Biological
Testing
(For all students, grades 7-12, who
are involved in extracurricular activities, drive to school, enrolled in
driver’s education, or any student volunteering services)
I, ___________________________, as a parent or
guardian of
______________________________, a student enrolled in Sudan Jr./Sr. High School
hereby agree to the following for the duration of his/her enrollment at Sudan
ISD:
I understand the school district’s policy regarding substance abuse. I
understand it is the practice of the district to conduct drug and alcohol tests
for the purpose of carrying out this policy.
I understand that my child cannot be compelled to give a biological specimen. I
understand that if he/she gives a biological specimen, it will be tested for
drugs and/or alcohol. I understand that the giving of a biological specimen,
when requested by the school district, is a condition of my child’s being
in good standing, and is a condition of my child’s continued
participation in Jr./Sr. High School extracurricular activities. I understand
that if a test of my child’s specimen reveals an unexplained presence of
a drug and/or alcohol, the district will implement the steps associated with
the drug testing policy, student handbook, and student code of conduct.
Prescription drugs currently taken as prescribed:
Comments:
At this time, I hereby agree to my child giving a specimen.
________________________________ ______________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
_____________________________________ _________________________
Printed Name Witness
_____________________________________ _________________________
Student Signature Social Security Number
_____________________________________ _________________________
Printed Name Student ID Number
The completed form must be in to the office of the principal by January 12,
2004.
SUDAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM
I HAVE RECEIVED AND READ A COPY OF THE SUDAN ISD
DRUG DETERRENT POLICY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS POLICY IS PART OF THE SCHOOL
DISTRICT’S RULES, AND THAT IT APPLIES TO ALL SUDAN ISD STUDENTS, GRADES
SEVEN THROUGH TWELVE, WHO PARTICIPATE IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, AND/OR
DRIVE VEHICLES TO SCHOOL, PARTICIPATE IN DRIVER’S EDUCATION, OR STUDENT
VOLUNTEER, FOR THE DURATION OF THEIR ENROLLMENT AT SUDAN ISD.
__________________________________ _________________________
PRINT NAME SOCIAL SECURITY #
__________________________________ _________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE DATE
__________________________________ _________________________
WITNESS SIGNATURE DATE
Please sign, date, and return this form, along with a signed parental consent
form, by
January 12, 2004.
SUDAN
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
PROCEDURES FOR REASONABLE SUSPICION
DRUG TESTING
1. Any school employee who has reasonable
suspicion, based on personal observation, that a student has used or is under
the influence of a prohibited substance while at school or a school-related
activity, will complete a referral form and discuss his/her suspicions with the
campus principal.
2. The campus principal will review the evidence supporting the reasonable
suspicion referral and will decide if it is sufficient to proceed. If so, the
principal will observe and/or question the student and then decide if they
agree with the initial assessment. If so, the certified employee will proceed
with the referral.
3. If the principal decides that a drug use test is warranted, he/she will
contact the student’s parent or guardian and take the student to the
school nurse where the student will be asked to produce a urine sample for
testing.
4. If the student or parents/guardians refuse the test, the principal will
consider the refusal to be the same as a positive test, and will proceed with
consequences in accordance with local policy.
5. If a student produces a sample for testing, the principal may, based on the
evidence and circumstances, return the student to class, assign the student to
In- School Suspension, pending the results of the drug-use test, or send the
student home, under the terms of an emergency removal, as described in the
student code of conduct.
SUDAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
REASONABLE SUSPICION OBSERVATION FORM
(CONFIDENTIAL)
A. NATURE OF THE INCIDENT/CAUSE FOR
SUSPENSION
_____1. Observed/reported possession or use of a prohibited substance
_____2. Apparent drug or alcohol intoxication
_____3. Observed abnormal or erratic behavior
_____4. Arrest or conviction for drug-related offense
_____5. Evidence of tampering on drug test
_____6. Other (e.g., flagrant violation of school regulations, serious
misconduct, fighting or
argumentative/abusive language, refusal of instruction, unauthorized absence)
Please specify:______________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
B. UNUSUAL BEHAVIOR
_____1. Extreme mood or personality change
_____2. Verbal abusiveness
_____3. Physical abusiveness
_____4. Withdrawal, depression, or unresponsiveness
_____5. Inappropriate verbal response to questioning or instructions
_____6. Other erratic or inappropriate behavior (e.g., hallucinations,
disorientation, excessive euphoria, confusion)
Please specify: _______________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
C. PHYSICAL SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS
____ 1. Possessing,
dispensing, or using controlled substance
_____ 2. Slurred or incoherent speech
_____ 3. Unsteady gait or other loss of physical control; poor coordination
_____ 4. Dilated or constricted pupils or unusual eye movement
_____ 5. Bloodshot or watery eyes
_____ 6. Extreme fatigue or sleeping in class
_____ 7. Excessive sweating or clamminess to the skin
_____ 8. Flushed or very pale face
_____ 9. Highly excited or nervous
_____ 10. Nausea or vomiting
_____ 11. Odor of alcohol
_____ 12. Odor of marijuana
_____ 13. Dry mouth (frequent swallowing/lip wetting
_____ 14. Dizziness or fainting
_____ 15. Shaking hands or body tremors/twitching
_____ 16. Irregular or difficult breathing
_____ 17. Runny sores or sores around nostrils
_____ 18. Inappropriate wearing of sunglasses
_____ 19. Puncture marks or “tracks”
_____ 20. Other (please specify)_________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
D. WRITTEN SUMMARY
Please summarize the facts and circumstances of an incident or student actions
and any other pertinent information not previously noted that cause you to have
reasonable suspicion that the student has used or is under the influence of a
prohibited substance.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________ ____________________
Signature of Staff Member Date/Time
Based on the evidence presented and an interview with the student, a reasonable
suspicion drug-use test __________ is _______is not justified.
______________________________________ ____________________
Signature of Principal Date/Time
SUDAN
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
SIGNS OF STUDENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE
(CONFIDENTIAL)
The purpose of this checklist is to help you
to complete an initial assessment of a student you suspect may be using drugs
and/or alcohol. This tool will allow you and others to objectively evaluate
your ‘gut feelings’ and suspicions. Evaluate the changes you have
observed in the student since before you first suspected the possibility of
drugs and discuss your suspicions and observations with your principal.
_____________________________ ___________________________ ____________
Student Staff Member Date
BEHAVIOR YES NO MAYBE
1. Does the student go through frequent or extreme mood swings? ___ ___ ___
2. Have you noticed a change in the student’s friends? ___ ___ ___
3. Has the student lied or do you suspect lying? ___ ___ ___
4. Has the student been involved in acts of vandalism? ___ ___ ___
5. Does the student use obscene language or gestures? ___ ___ ___
6. Does the student seem withdrawn from other youngsters? ___ ___ ___
7. Have there been sudden or explosive bursts of anger? ___ ___ ___
8. Does the student suffer from memory loss or disorientation? ___ ___ ___
9. Has the student dropped out of favorite sports or activities? ___ ___ ___
10. Has the student been charged with an auto accident or drunk driving? ___
___ ___
11. Has the student been involved with court/legal matters? ___ ___ ___
12. Is there drug-oriented graffiti on school books or clothing? ___ ___ ___
13. Are you afraid of the student? ___ ___ ___
14. Does the student have a history of discipline or behavior problems? ___ ___
___
APPEARANCE-HEALTH
1. Does the student neglect personal appearance/hygiene? ___ ___ ___
2. Have you noticed bruises on the skin? ___ ___ ___
3. Is the student’s color pale, flushed, or blotchy? ___ ___ ___
4. Have you noticed a constant or persistent cough? ___ ___ ___
5. Have you seen the student with dilated pupils, red or watery? ___ ___ ___
6. Has the student lost weight? ___ ___ ___
7. Does the student appear hyperactive or nervous? ___ ___ ___
8. Have you ever detected the odor of pot or alcohol on the student? ___ ___
___
9. Have you seen the student staggering, stumbling, or disoriented ___ ___ ___
without the odor of pot or alcohol on his/her breath?
FAMILY
1. Has there been verbal abuse within the family? ___ ___ ___
2. Is there a history of chemical abuse in the family? ___ ___ ___
3. Has there been physical abuse within the family? ___ ___ ____
ACADEMIC
1. Has the student been:
a. sleeping in class? ___ ___ ____
b. skipping class? ___ ___ ____
c. cheating on tests, etc.? ___ ___ ____
d. disrupting class? ___ ___ ____
2. Does the student want to quit school? ___ ___
____
3. Has the student received warnings or failing grades? ___ ___ ____
4. Has the student been in trouble at school this year? ___ ___ ____
5. Are teachers expressing fear of the student? ___ ___ ____
6. Do you see the student getting worse or better? ___ ___ ____
7. Is there a change in level of motivation, goals, or attitudes toward
achievement?___ ___ ____