Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs

See Disciplinary section for the disciplinary consequences related to possession, use, intoxication, or distribution of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, look-alikes, and drug paraphernalia.

A. District Philosophy/Policy

Possession, use, intoxication, or distribution of, or any attempt to use or distribute, 1) alcohol; 2) tobacco or tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and vaping devices; 3) any illegal or controlled substance or drugs; 4) any look-alike drug; or 5) drug paraphernalia is prohibited in school buildings, on school grounds, in school vehicles, or at any school-sponsored or school-related event or activity.

Controlled substances include lawful drugs and prescription drugs not used or intended to be used in accordance with the prescription and over-the-counter drugs not used or intended to be used as directed.

B. Consequences & Supports

Students in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary consequences, as set forth in the Disciplinary section of this Handbook. The Principal or Principal’s designee will also notify local law enforcement when necessary and/or appropriate.

In addition to instituting disciplinary proceedings, school officials will also deny a student’s attendance at any school program or function if the student appears to be under the influence of any prohibited substance as set forth in this policy, or who are in possession of such prohibited substances.  A student’s eligibility to participate in Behind the Wheel portion of driver’s education may be postponed if the student is found using or possessing prohibited substances as set forth in this policy. Students are expected to adhere to eligibility requirements for participation in driver’s education, as distributed annually by the District.

A student who violates this policy may also be referred to a counselor and the Student Assistance Program to provide additional supportive resources and information.

Administering Medication to Students and District Procedures:

This policy does not prohibit the approved self-carry and/or self-administration of epinephrine auto-injectors, emergency asthma medication, and/or medication to treat diabetes, provided that the student and student’s parent/guardian have submitted appropriate supporting documentation to the District. Please refer to Procedures for Administering Medication Section for the District’s policy regarding administration of medications and asthma and epi-pen self-administration. 

Any possession, use, misuse (in a manner inconsistent with the intended use by the manufacturer) and/or distribution of prescription/non-prescription medications may result in a violation of this policy. Prescription/non-prescription medications are to be registered with and dispensed in a manner consistent with the intended use of that medication by the school nurse, except as permitted by 105 ILCS 5/22-30, Board policy 7-270, and the Procedures for Administering Medication Section of this Handbook. Medications in this category include but are not limited to acetaminophen (Tylenol, Midol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and calcium carbonate (chewable antacid). 

No student shall be subject to any disciplinary action that is based either totally or in part on the refusal of a student’s parent or guardian to administer or consent to the administration of psychotropic or psychostimulant medication to the student. Nothing in this section, however, prohibits discipline of a student for violation of school behavior guidelines or engaging in gross disobedience or misconduct as defined in this Policy and its accompanying Administrative Procedures.