District Code 9.26
Student Substance Abuse Policy
I.
Background and Philosophy
Ruidoso Municipal School District is a smoke-free and tobacco-free school district (District Code 1.8).
The district prohibits use and possession of both smoking and nonsmoking forms of tobacco. The district
is a drug-free school district (District Code 1.7).
The district recognizes that alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse are treatable health problems. Health
problems of youth are primarily the responsibility of the home and community. The schools, however,
share that responsibility when substance abuse or dependency interferes with school behavior, student
learning, and the development of each student. The district will seek to intervene with students
manifesting signs of use, misuse, or abuse of any tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, in order to educate and aid
them.
The district shall reserve the right to take appropriate action concerning violations of the school dress
code as it applies to the wearing of clothing which advertises, publicizes, or promotes, through symbols,
slogans, or pictures, any type of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco (District Codes 9.29, 9.20).
The district shall endeavor to educate all students on avoiding the use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs,
and/or controlled substances. The district will seek to provide these students an environment that is free
of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and/or controlled substances, in accordance with state and federal law.
Staff training is essential in helping combat use and abuse and will be provided. Community education
and awareness activities will be supported as they apply to the overall program (District Code 8.8).
School authorities shall give consideration to the health, safety, and educational rights of all students
when prescribing intervention or disciplinary actions for students under this policy.
II.
Controlled Substances
A.
Prohibition - Students are prohibited from using, possessing, distributing or being under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, and from possessing, using, or distributing drug paraphernalia
while on school property or at school-sponsored activities, including transit and lodging.
B.
Definitions - The terms used in this policy are defined as follows:
Alcohol - Any liquor, wine, beer, or other beverage containing alcohol.
Core Team - Student Assistance Team dealing with student drug use/abuse concerns.
Disciplinary Referral - A referral resulting from a violation of school policy and/or law.
Distribution - Selling, passing on, or giving away any controlled substance.
Drugs - Any drug, including illegal drugs, prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, marijuana,
or inhalants that are used, possessed, or distributed for unauthorized purposes, including
counterfeit (look-alike) substances.
Drug Paraphernalia - Equipment or apparatus designed for the purpose of measuring, packaging,
distributing, or facilitating the use of drugs.
Non-disciplinary Referrals - A referral from a student, parent, staff member, or outside agency,
which expresses concern regarding behavior that may indicate substance abuse.
SAT - Student Assistance Team - Reviews referrals and makes recommendations.
Substance Abuse - The use of drugs or alcohol in violation of state or federal law, or in violation
of school policy.
Tobacco - Any product containing tobacco which can be smoked or used in non-smoking form,
i.e. "snuff", chewing tobacco, etc.
C.
Enforcement of Policy
The district reserves the right to search a student's person, personal effects, and vehicle in enforcing this
policy (District Code 9.24).
1.
A pat-down of a student may be conducted upon reasonable, individualized suspicion that such
student is in possession of a controlled substance in violation of this policy. Any such search shall be
conducted in private by an authorized school official of the same sex as the student to be searched and in
the presence of a witness of the same sex.
2.
Lockers, desks, and similar storage facilities are school property and remain at all times under the
control of the school, however, students are expected to assume full responsibility for the security of their
lockers and desks and similar facilities. Periodic general inspections of lockers, desks, and similar
facilities may be conducted by school officials for any reason, at any time, without notice and without
consent.
3.
Students are permitted to park on school premises as a matter of privilege, not of right. The
district retains the authority to conduct routine patrols of school parking lots and inspections of the
exteriors of automobiles on school property. Such patrols and inspections may be conducted without
motive and without consent. The interiors of student vehicles on school property may be inspected
whenever a school official has a reasonable suspicion that illegal or unauthorized substances are within
such a vehicle.
4.
In any of the foregoing enforcement actions, the administration is authorized to use dogs whose
reliability and accuracy for sniffing and detecting illegal or unauthorized substances has been established.
The dogs will be accompanied by a qualified and authorized dog trainer-handler who will be responsible
for the dog's actions. Any indication by the dog that an illegal or unauthorized substance is present on
school property or in a vehicle on school property shall be reasonable cause for a search by school
officials.
D.
Reporting Student Use
District employees have a mandatory, non-discretionary duty to report known or suspected drug or
alcohol abuse in accordance with this policy (section 22:5-4.4 New Mexico Statutes Annotated). District
employees shall make such reports to immediate supervisor or building principal. As long as such reports
are made in good faith, the reporting school staff employee shall be immune from civil damages for his or
her actions. Those individuals making such referrals are not required to make a final determination
whether the student identified is in violation of this policy. Such duty shall be upon the responsible
school officials to whom the referral is made.
E.
Discipline
Students who violate this policy shall be subject to intervention and discipline, including suspension and
expulsion, or to other appropriate alternatives as prescribed by this policy, in accordance with the
discretion of school authorities.
III.
Support Services/Non-Disciplinary Referral (Intervention Referral)
In addition to promoting a safe, smoke-free, tobacco-free, and drug-free environment for all, the substance
abuse policy is designed to help the "at-risk" individual through assessment, counseling, and education.
This is not a disciplinary process, but rather a mechanism used for members of the school and community
to express concern and facilitate students receiving help. In cases where there is a concern regarding
substance use and/or abuse, the following procedures will be followed.
1.
Referrals may be made by students, staff, peers, parents/guardians, community members, or by a
community agency. Students are encouraged to self-refer. Such referrals are made to the school
counselor, nurse, or psychologist. The source of the referral will be kept confidential to the extent
provided by law.
2.
The individual receiving the referral will work in consultation with the school counselor, nurse,
and/or psychologist (core team) to:
a)
assess the information,
b)
discuss the concern about the student, and
c)
gather additional information as needed
3.
After consultation, an intervention plan will be developed, if warranted. The plan will be
developed with input from the student and parents. The Intervention Plan may include, but is not limited
to:
a)
information gathered after referral has been received
b)
recommendations as to appropriate services for their child
c)
available resources
d)
parent's responsibility for pursuing services and/or treatment
e)
the school's responsibility for offering school resources/services
f)
the student's responsibility for participating in the services recommended
g)
the parent's and student's responsibility for providing written documentation of followthrough on recommended services
h)
consequences for failure to comply with the Intervention Plan
i)
school staff's documentation of the conference
IV.
Disciplinary Referral
Ruidoso Municipal School District retains the right to differentiate between the non-disciplinary
referral (Section III) and the disciplinary referral (Section IV).
A. Use or Influence
1) First Offense
a) Notification of parents and/or police, as appropriate
b) Referral to intervention process
c) Short-term suspension (up to ten days)
d) Possible recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion
2) Second Offense
a) Notification of parents and/or police, as appropriate
b) Re-referral to intervention process
c) Short-term suspension (up to ten days)
d) Possible recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion
3) Third Offense
a) Notification of parents and/or police, as appropriate
b) Recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion
B. Possession and/or Distribution
1)
First Offense
a) Notification of parents and/or police, as appropriate
b) Referral to intervention process
c) Short-term suspension (up to ten days)
2)
3)
V.
d) Possible recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion
Second Offense
a) Notification of parents and/or police, as appropriate
b) Re-referral to intervention process
c) Short-term suspension (up to ten days)
d) Possible recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion
Third Offense
a) Notification of parents and/or police, as appropriate
b) Recommendation for long-term suspension or expulsion
Extracurricular Discipline
Students involved in extracurricular programs, grades 9 thru 12 are subject to all aspects of the
regular school discipline policy and the above Disciplinary Referral Process (Section IV) and shall
comply with all provisions of the Athletic Code.
They will set the highest possible standard in school, in their classes, at home, in the community, and
in the area of competition and sportsmanship so others will respect them and so that they will add
something positive to the extra-curricular program they represent. They must understand that
participation is a major commitment. If a student chooses to violate these standards, that student will
be subject to extra-curricular and/or school sanctions for their behavior.
If any student is in direct violation of school board drug policy and this extra curricular code, a
conference with parent/legal guardian will be required if any of the following occur: 1) The student
has used or had in their possession illegal drugs including alcohol while off campus as observed by
school officials; 2) A student is charged or reported by law enforcement or authorities with use or
possession of illegal drugs including alcohol; 3) A student or their parent/legal guardian self report
such use and/or possession or; 4) A student tests positive to a random drug test.
a) For Athletics – The first offense will result in suspension from regular season competition for
30% of consecutive contests. If necessary this will carry-over into the next sport season.
Also, additional team sanctions agreed upon with the head coaches and activities director will
be developed and may include provisions to allow the student to practice. Considerations will
be given to a student who self reports within 48 hours of the incident seeking guidance and
support. This will result in suspension from competition for 20% of the consecutive contests.
An intervention plan, as per school board policy, will be mandatory in all cases. Students
wishing to participate will sign a statement acknowledging the consequences of a second
offense.
For Activities – The first offense will result in suspension from that activity and continue until
sixteen hours of community service are completed. Also, any additional sanctions agreed
upon with the sponsor including a signed statement acknowledging the consequences of a
second offense.
b) A subsequent offense while in high school in any extra-curricular program will result
in suspension from the program for 365 days from the date of the offense. The intervention
plan previously developed will be modified accordingly.
c) Violation of the school board policy regarding the use of tobacco products will result in
suspension from the extra-curricular program for two weeks. An intervention plan will also be
required.
d) A confidential log of all code violations and consequences will be maintained in the activity
directors’ office. The activity director will verify the successful/unsuccessful completion of
the intervention plan.
If it has been determined by school officials that a student has used or has in their possession
any illegal drugs, including alcohol, while on school property, or at a school sponsored event,
the student will be turned over to a parent/guardian as soon as possible, and will be referred to
local authorities, and will be suspended from the extra-curricular program for 365 days from
the date of the offense. An intervention plan will also be developed. The Student
“Disciplinary Actions” as found in the RHS Student/Parent Handbook will also be in effect.
The head coach/sponsor will consult with the activities director, principal, and/or
superintendent relative to implementation of this paragraph.
The Ruidoso High School drug test policy is as follows:
a) The names of all students participating in any extra-curricular program during the school year
will be entered into a random selection process at the beginning of the school year. A certified
drug-testing agency will test randomly, from the pool, unannounced, any time during the
school year. The results are immediate and will be reported to the activities director.
b) If the drug test is positive, a parent or legal guardian will be notified to offer an explanation for
the positive result. If it is determined that a student is in violation of this policy, the above
sanctions will be enforced.
c) If any student refuses to provide a sample or if there is an altercation or falsification of a
sample or test result, that student will be indefinitely suspended form the extra-curricular
program.
d) If any student decides to participate in the extra curricular program after the beginning of the
school year, they will be tested during the next testing cycle. Their names will then be placed
in the random pool for future testing.
e) A student or parent may request a drug test to be completed during the regular testing.
Hazing (as per board policy 9.28) will not be tolerated in any form. Violations will result in sanctions
consistent with the drug/alcohol offenses stated above. The School discipline policy will also be in effect.
The Activities Director will be part of a core team to develop intervention plans for students participating
in extracurricular activities when needed. The intervention plan is to provide assistance. The student,
parent/guardian, administrators, and school services personnel will be involved.
(6-2005)
Ruidoso High School
Athletic Code
I.
I, VOLUNTARILY elect to represent Ruidoso High School in its athletic program, and I promise to contribute my best to the success of our
program during my tenure. Therefore I agree to conduct myself according to this Athletic Code for the duration.
II.
I will set the highest possible standard in school, in my classes, at home, in the community, and in the area of competition and sportsmanship so
others will respect me and so that I will add something positive to the athletic program I represent. If I violate these standards, I will be subject to
athletic and/or school sanctions for my behavior.
III.
I acknowledge that I must meet all rules outlined by the New Mexico Activities Association for eligibility.
IV.
If I am in direct violation of school board policy and this athletic code, a conference with my parent/legal guardian will be required if any of the
following occur: 1) it has been determined by school officials that I have used or had in my possession illegal drugs/alcohol while off campus; 2) I
am charged by law enforcement or authorities with use of possession of illegal drugs/alcohol; 3) I or my parent/legal guardian self report such use
and/or possession or; 4) if my drug test is positive.
a) The first offense will result in suspension from competition for three weeks. This will carry-over into my next sport season. Addition a team
sanctions agreed upon with the head coaches and activities director will be offered on intervention plan by the school and I may be required to
take a minimum of three consecutive drug tests. I will sign a statement acknowledging the consequences of a second offense.
b) Subsequent offense (anytime grades 7-12) will result in suspension from the athletic program for one year (365 days) from the date of the
offense. An intervention plan as per school board policy will be developed.
c) Violation of the school board policy regarding the use of tobacco products will result in suspension from competition for one week from the
date of the offense and minimum of one contest.
V.
If it has been determined by school officials that I have used or had in my possession any illegal drugs including alcohol while on school property
or on a school athletic event, I will be turned over to my parents/guardian as soon as possible, I may be referred to local authorities, and I will be
suspended from athletic programs for one year (365 days) from the date of the offense. An intervention plan will also be developed. The regular
school discipline policy will also be in effect. The head coach will consult with the activities director, principal, and /or superintendent relative to
implementation of this paragraph.
VI.
I will be subject to the Ruidoso High School drug test policy as follows:
a) The names of all athletes participating in sports for the school year will be entered into a random selection process. A certified drug-testing
agency contracted with the school district will test 20% of the athletes from the pool, unannounced a minimum of one day each month. An
athlete could be randomly selected on consecutive months. The results are immediate and will be reported to the activities director.
b) If my drug test is positive, my parent or legal guardian will be notified to offer an explanation for the positive result. If it is determined that I
am in violation of this policy, the above sanctions will be enforced.
c) Ruidoso High School has the right to request a drug test on me or any athlete at any time.
d) If I refuse to provide a sample or there is an alteration or falsification of a sample or test result, then it may lead to indefinite suspension from
the athletic program.
e) If I decide to participate in the athletic program after the beginning of the school year, I will be drug tested the next month and then go into the
random pool.
VII.
I will not haze or tolerate hazing in any form (as per school board policy 9.28). Violations will result in sanctions consistent with the drug/alcohol
offenses stated in section IV above. The school discipline policy will also be in effect.
VIII.
My hair will be kept clean and groomed in such a way that it will not create a distraction to my teammates or opponents and I will not have facial
hair. During athletic contests or activities, it will be kept in a manner that will not cause a rules violation or present a safety hazard.
IX.
I will be responsible for all athletic equipment entrusted to me. Items that I do not return will be paid for at my expense before participating in the
next sport season.
X.
If I work out for a sport and quit, or am removed from the squad for disciplinary reasons, my parents will be notified. If I want to be rescheduled
for another sport before that season ends, I must receive permission from the head coach of the sport from which I quit or was removed. The
principal and the athletic coordinator may also assist in making this decision.
XI.
I will travel with the team to all sporting events. Permission to leave with my parent/guardian only, after the event, may be obtained from the head
coach if my parent/guardian writes and signs a release request.
If you have any questions or concerns about any of the above items, you are to contact the head coach immediately before signing.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CONFIRMATION FORM
I, _____________________________________________ (Student’s name) have read and understand the Athletic Code of Ruidoso High School and I am
willing to abide by the rules and regulations.
Student’s signature______________________________________________________________________ Date____________________________________
We the parents/guardians of _________________________________________________ have read and understand the Ruidoso High School Athletic Code.
We are willing to abide by the requirements, regulations, responsibilities, and possible consequences.
Parent/Guardian signature___________________________________________________________________________Date__________________________
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the head coach at 258-4910.
White-Athletic Director
Yellow – Coach
Pink – Parent
(03/2004)