File:  IHAMB - TEACHING ABOUT DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND ABUSE OF LEGAL SUBSTANCES

In accordance with state and federal law, the Randolph Public Schools shall provide age-appropriate, developmentally-based drugs, alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances and the abuse of legal substances such as inhalants, herbal supplements, prescription medications, dietary aids and over-the-counter medications education and prevention programs in grades pre-K-12.

The substance abuse program shall address the legal, social, and health consequences of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances and the abuse of legal substances such as inhalants, herbal supplements, prescription medications, dietary aids and over-the-counter medications. It shall include special instruction as to the effects upon the human system; the emotional, psychological, and social dangers of such use with emphasis on nonuse by school age children, and the illegal aspects of such use. The program also shall include information about effective techniques for resisting peer pressure to use drugs, alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances and the abuse of legal substances such as inhalants, herbal supplements, prescription medications, dietary aids and over-the-counter medications.

The objectives of this program, as stated below, are rooted in the School Committee's belief that prevention requires education, and that the most important aspect of the policies and guidelines of the District should be the education of each individual to the dangers of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances and the abuse of legal substances such as inhalants, herbal supplements, prescription medications, dietary aids and over-the-counter medications.

As such the Randolph Public Schools substance abuse program will be committed to:

•  To create an awareness of substance abuse prevention, education, treatment, rehabilitation, and law enforcement on the local, state, national, and international levels;
•  To relate the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances and the abuse of legal substances such as inhalants, herbal supplements, prescription medications, dietary aids and over-the-counter medications to physical, mental, social, and emotional practices;
•  To develop the student's ability to make intelligent choices based on facts and to develop the courage to stand by one's own convictions;
•  To understand the personal, social, and economic problems causing the misuse of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances and the abuse of legal substances such as inhalants, herbal supplements, prescription medications, dietary aids and over-the-counter medications; and
•  To develop an interest in preventing illegal use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, controlled substances and the abuse of legal substances such as inhalants, herbal supplements, prescription medications, dietary aids and over-the-counter medications in the community.

The curriculum, instructional materials, and outcomes used in this program shall be recommended by the Superintendent and approved by the School Committee.

Adopted:  November 17, 2016

Revised: November 17, 2016

LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 71:2A; M.G.L. 71:37H; M.G.L. 71:96;  M.G.L. 272:40A; M.G.L. 71:1

CROSS REF.:   ADF, School District Wellness Policy

This policy shall be posted on the District's website, and notice shall be provided to all students and parents in accordance with state law.  Additionally, the District shall file a copy of this policy with DESE in accordance with state law in a manner requested by DESE.