DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES

Edward Rowbotham
Supervisor

Alice Esquilin, Administrative Assistant

  POLICY  CONCERNING DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES

The Passaic Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to provide a quality learning environment where the health and welfare of students and staff are safeguarded.   One condition which jeopardizes such an environment is the use of alcohol and other drugs and problems related to their use.   In setting policy regarding alcohol and other drugs, the Board of Education seeks to fulfill its responsibility to the school district and to the community and to comply with applicable New Jersey   statutes and school law covering the various aspects of the problem.

Students are prohibited from possessing, consuming or distributing drugs or alcohol in any form while at school, in co-curricular programs, on school grounds, attending a school-related function on or off campus, and when coming to and going from school.   Students are further prohibited from smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products in any form in school buildings.

In accordance with NJSA 18A:40A Article 2   and NJAC 6:29-6.1-6.5, students suspected of being "under the influence" shall be subject to medical examination including urine screen, suspension and other disciplinary measures as established by this policy.   The Board of Education pledges its full cooperation with law enforcement officials in the conduct of their duties to maintain a drug free school zone in a cooperative agreement between the school district and the Passaic Police.   Students and their parents/guardians are advised that New Jersey laws may require additional penalties beyond school sanctions for drug-related offenses on and off school grounds in accordance with Drug Free School Zones statutes.

The Passaic Public Schools will make every effort to prevent student involvement with alcohol and other drugs, including tobacco, performance enhancing substances and other harmful behavioral-health matters by providing age appropriate education, programs and supportive counseling.   Referrals to treatment or for evaluation will be made by individuals appropriately certified as "Substance Awareness Coordinator", as required by NJAC 6:29.   The community and staff   will receive detailed information and training about the use, abuse and consequences, legal and health-related, of alcohol, controlled dangerous substances and tobacco.