4317

TEACHING ABOUT DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO

In keeping with its primary responsibility--the education of youth--the Board of Education directs the instructional staff of the district to continue to investigate the causes of student involvement with drugs, tobacco and alcohol, and to develop suitable preventive measures however and whenever feasible.

The Board and the instructional staff shall continue to seek ways to educate students about the dangers of the abuse of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Instruction will include sessions about the causes and effects of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse, especially in young people. In addition, all high school students will receive instruction on the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Board of Education views with great concern the serious implications of alcohol, drug and tobacco use by young people.

The following objectives must be realized if the goal of minimizing drug, tobacco and alcohol abuse is to be achieved.

1. students shall be encouraged to identify the problem and its causes;
2. they should understand the nature of drugs and tobacco;
3. they shall be encouraged to identify the variety of alternate forms of behavior, other than drug, alcohol, or tobacco use, which are available to satisfy their needs; and
4. it is in the interest of student health that a climate be created in the schools so individuals
may seek confidential help.

While the Board in no way condones the abuse of illegal or harmful substances, it is in the interest of student health that a climate be created in the schools so that individuals may seek confidential help without fear of reprisal.