News (Media Awareness Project) - CN BC: Schools To Try New Drug Policy |
| Title: | CN BC: Schools To Try New Drug Policy |
| Published On: | 2008-06-16 |
| Source: | Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-06-23 00:17:30 |
SCHOOLS TO TRY NEW DRUG POLICY
Schools have been given a new procedure for dealing with student
substance abuse.
School District 69 (Qualicum) trustees recently enacted a new interim
substance abuse policy which abolishes an old rule of immediate
suspension for students using, distributing, possessing or under the
influence or drugs or alcohol.
"It is clear we have issues of alcohol and drug use in our community
with our young people," said Sean McKierahan, assistant superintendent
of schools. "I think all community agencies are aware of that."
The old policy suspended students involved with drugs or
alcohol.
"It was an automatic five days," said trustee Eve Flynn, chair of the
policy committee. "The punishment ... was static at five days and automatic."
The new policy is less reactive and takes an individual's needs into
account. Kindergarten to Grade 5 students using or possessing drugs or
alcohol will now meet with a principal, school counsellor and parents.
The principal decides what happens next and the student may be
referred to the District Drug and Alcohol Review Committee.
Middle and high school students using, possessing or distributing
drugs are immediately given a three-day, in-school suspension and the
incident is reported to the review committee. Parents will be informed
verbally and in writing and the RCMP will be contacted. The RCMP
decides if there are criminal charges necessary.
Repeat incidents will be met with an at-home suspension and students
will need to have some sort of drug or alcohol counselling.
Flynn said the interim policy has more educational
value.
Flynn said although one could say the old policy was doing what it was
supposed to be doing, it could be viewed as too reactive.
The new policy is in place for a trial period of one
year.
A staff report said staff is conscious of the complex and potentially
controversial nature of schools addressing substance abuse, so the
district would be in a better position to use the policy on a trial
basis.
The policy will be reevaluated after June 30, 2009.
Schools have been given a new procedure for dealing with student
substance abuse.
School District 69 (Qualicum) trustees recently enacted a new interim
substance abuse policy which abolishes an old rule of immediate
suspension for students using, distributing, possessing or under the
influence or drugs or alcohol.
"It is clear we have issues of alcohol and drug use in our community
with our young people," said Sean McKierahan, assistant superintendent
of schools. "I think all community agencies are aware of that."
The old policy suspended students involved with drugs or
alcohol.
"It was an automatic five days," said trustee Eve Flynn, chair of the
policy committee. "The punishment ... was static at five days and automatic."
The new policy is less reactive and takes an individual's needs into
account. Kindergarten to Grade 5 students using or possessing drugs or
alcohol will now meet with a principal, school counsellor and parents.
The principal decides what happens next and the student may be
referred to the District Drug and Alcohol Review Committee.
Middle and high school students using, possessing or distributing
drugs are immediately given a three-day, in-school suspension and the
incident is reported to the review committee. Parents will be informed
verbally and in writing and the RCMP will be contacted. The RCMP
decides if there are criminal charges necessary.
Repeat incidents will be met with an at-home suspension and students
will need to have some sort of drug or alcohol counselling.
Flynn said the interim policy has more educational
value.
Flynn said although one could say the old policy was doing what it was
supposed to be doing, it could be viewed as too reactive.
The new policy is in place for a trial period of one
year.
A staff report said staff is conscious of the complex and potentially
controversial nature of schools addressing substance abuse, so the
district would be in a better position to use the policy on a trial
basis.
The policy will be reevaluated after June 30, 2009.
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