File:  JICHA

 

BREATH ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY

 

Alcohol use by a student is illegal and poses a serious threat not only to his/her own well-being, but also to the well-being of the entire school community.  Drug or alcohol use will not be tolerated during school hours, on school property, or at any school-sponsored activity or event during or after school hours.  Students who violate the school policy on use, possession, sales or distribution may be subject to disciplinary action as set forth in The Student Handbook.

 

When determining possible alcohol use or intoxication by a student during the school day or at a school-related function, the safety of the student is the primary concern.  An assessment of a student’s suspected alcohol use may be aided by the use of a breath alcohol-testing device, which indicates the presence or absence of alcohol.

 

Procedures During the Normal School Day or at School-Sponsored Events

 

1.      School staff may determine possible student alcohol use without the aid of a breath alcohol testing device by observing one or more of the following indicators:

·         Slurred speech

·         Unsteady gait

·         Impaired motor control

·         Flushed face

·         Smell of intoxicating liquor on breath, clothing or person

·         Vomiting

 

2.      If the staff determines that a student is intoxicated or has used alcohol based on one or more of the above indicators:

a.       Parent/Guardian will be notified and requested to take the student home.

b.      Emergency help will be called if student is assessed to be at risk for alcohol poisoning or in need of medical assistance.

c.       The police may be called to take the student into protective custody.

d.      Disciplinary action will be taken as indicated in student handbook and may result in suspension.

 

3.      If a student is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or is suspected of having consumed alcohol, the school administrator or school safety officer may administer a Breathalyzer.

 

4.      The administrator and/or school safety officer will check the calibration of the breath alcohol-testing device according instructions for use.

 

5.   The test will be administered in privacy in the presence of two staff members.

a.   If test is positive (.01BAC), the student may request a maximum of two additional tests taken at least 2 minutes apart. If these additional tests are positive, the

1.      Parent/Guardian will be notified and requested to take student home.

2.      Emergency help will be called if student is assessed to be at risk for alcohol poisoning or in need of medical assistance.

3.      Disciplinary action will be taken as indicated in the student handbook.

b.      If the test is negative:

1.      The student will be allowed to resume activity if the staff member does not suspect the use of other drugs.

2.       His/her parent/guardian will be notified that the Breathalyzer was administered.

 

6.       If a student who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or who is suspected of having consumed alcohol refuses the test:

a.       The administrator or school safety officer will notify parents/guardians to pick up the student and will detain the student until the parent's/guardian’s arrival.  
b.      The administrator may consider the refusal and all other evidence to determine whether or not the student is intoxicated or has consumed alcohol and may discipline the student in accordance with the student handbook.

 

7.  If any student suspected of intoxication leaves the scene against the school official’s request:

a.       Police Department will be contacted immediately.

b.      Parent/Guardian will be notified.

c.       Disciplinary action for insubordination will be taken as indicated in the student handbook.

 

8.. Student athletes

 

Students representing Gardner High School athletic teams are held to a high standard of conduct.  The conduct of these student athletes is governed not only by rules established by the MIAA but also those established in the Gardner High School Student Handbook which states that a student will be removed from the team for the current season for “known possession, use or consumption of alcohol or drugs including the use or possession of tobacco products in any form.”  Therefore, if a student athlete tests positive on a Breathalyzer during the screening at a dance, prom and/or celebration, the student’s name will be given to the Athletic Director who will consider this as evidence that the student has consumed alcohol.  The Athletic Director may then remove the student from the team.

 

Adopted: April 2005