P5600 SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION

BOARD POLICY:

Substance abuse prevention is an integral part of the total curriculum process, which enhances the development of healthy, responsible, socially, and academically successful pupils capable of resisting substance abuse. Prevention programs will address the legal, social, and health consequences of alcohol and drug use. Programs will provide information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use illicit drugs or alcohol. Emphasis will be placed upon life skills, including positive self-concept, a sense of responsibility, skills in decision making, and communication skills.

Administrative Implemental Procedures:

1.      Substances, as interpreted by the Board of Education, include alcohol and other chemical substances, which alter or affect the body functions.

2.      Substance abuse is recognized as a problem shared by the individual, school, community, and society at large. It is appropriate that schools provide a comprehensive developmental substance abuse prevention program for all pupils and staff. It is not appropriate for school personnel to perform diagnoses and treatment for persons misusing, abusing, and possibly addicted to alcohol and other drugs. For those pupils whose dysfunctional behaviors indicate need for a more specialized response than those provided through the substance abuse prevention program, see Board policy entitled Substance Abuse Intervention.

3.      Positive school personnel-pupil relationships must be emphasized as a key element in the prevention process. While school personnel are not expected to become drug experts, in-service education activities shall include workshops, seminars, and other appropriate experiences in the area of substance abuse prevention.

4.      All school personnel should be involved for the most effective substance abuse prevention program.

5.      A continuing program of evaluation and assessment of need will be the responsibility of the office of Safe and Drug Free Schools in cooperation with all other appropriate divisions.

Administrative Responsibility: Safe and Drug Free Schools

Latest Revision Date: March 1999

Previous Revision Date: July 1991 P5600