Substance Use Prevention and Intervention Policy
Our Philosophy: At Kindle Farm School, we prioritize the health and well-being of all our students. This policy addresses the individual needs of students dealing with substance use, while upholding the right of our students to a safe and effective learning environment. Recognizing that tobacco, vaping products, and electronic cigarettes pose significant health and safety risks to both users and non-users, this policy reflects our commitment to maintaining a healthy school environment.
Our Policy: No student shall knowingly possess, use, sell, distribute, or be under the influence of marijuana, THC (found in cannabis), illicit drugs, tobacco, vaping products, or alcohol on school property or at any school sponsored activity, whether on or off campus. Kindle Farm School will make appropriate referrals in cases of substance use.
Definitions
Substance Use: The ingestion of any substance in a manner that interferes with a person’s physical, intellectual, emotional, or social capabilities.
Drug: Any narcotic, hallucinogen, amphetamine, barbiturate, cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, or other controlled substances as defined by state or federal law.
Suspension: A temporary removal of a student from their program due to behavior that violates school policies or disrupts the learning environment.
In-school suspension:
The student remains on the school premises but is temporarily removed from regular classroom activities, allowing them to continue their academic work with support, as needed.Out-of-school suspension:
The student is not allowed to attend school for a designated period.
Immediate Procedures for Suspicion of Cigarettes, Vaping, and Nicotine
Tampering with devices installed to detect use of tobacco or vaping products shall be deemed a violation of this policy and subject to disciplinary action.
If the student submits to search or discloses prohibited substance
1st Offense
Confiscation, notify the parents and the school district.
Letter to the student and their family regarding the dangers of these substances.
Commitment from the student to not bring or possess these substances at school.
2nd Offense
Required enrollment in the Kindle Farm Substance Education Program.
Daily searches and check-ins upon arrival at school.
Possible loss of privileges: campus restriction, campus autonomy, and vocational pay.
3rd Offense
Suspension until a written behavior agreement is in place.
A team meeting to discuss additional interventions to support the student’s cessation efforts.
Continued violations may lead to unenrollment from Kindle Farm School.
If the student does NOT submit to search or disclose prohibited substance
1st Offense
Notify the family and school district.
One day suspension and/or team meeting.
Daily searches and check-ins upon arrival at school.
Possible suspension of off campus privileges for field trips and afternoon activities.
2nd Offense
Suspension, possible team meeting.
Required enrollment in the Kindle Farm Substance Education Program.
Daily searches and check-ins upon arrival at school.
Loss of privileges: campus restriction, campus autonomy, and vocational pay.
3rd Offense
Suspension until a written behavior agreement is in place.
A team meeting to discuss additional interventions to support the student’s cessation efforts.
Continued violations may lead to unenrollment from Kindle Farm School.
Immediate Procedures for Suspicion of THC or Other Drugs
If there is reasonable suspicion of a student being under the influence of illicit substances on school grounds, the student will be required to leave or remain under staff supervision and not be permitted to go out in the community as part of school activities.
Tampering with devices installed to detect use of tobacco or vaping products shall be deemed a violation of this policy and subject to disciplinary action.
1st Offense
Confiscation of the prohibited items.
Notification to the parents/guardians and the school district.
Possible team meeting.
Letter to the student and their family regarding illicit substance use at school and at home with educational materials.
Commitment from the student to refrain from bringing or possessing illegal substances at school.
Implementation of daily searches and check-ins upon arrival at school.
Possible suspension and/or loss of off-campus privileges.
Required enrollment in the Kindle Farm Substance Education Program.
2nd Offense
Daily searches and check-ins upon arrival at school.
Suspension and loss of privileges: campus restriction, campus autonomy, and vocational pay.
3rd Offense
Suspension until a written behavior agreement is in place.
A team meeting to discuss additional interventions to support the students’ cessation efforts.
Continued violations may lead to unenrollment from Kindle Farm School.
Educational Drug Program: This therapeutic activity is designed for students struggling to live a life in line with their values without succumbing to the temptation of negative coping strategies. Using Restorative Practices and pulling from various therapeutic modalities (ARC, ACT, and DBT), the goal is to assist students to cultivate community amongst peers and adults to share their experiences and learn from others. Educational topics will include mindfulness, brain development, habits versus addictions, social skills, and emotional regulation.
Notification
Any student who violates this policy by knowingly possessing, using, selling, distributing, or being under the influence of any illegal drug, regulated substance, or alcohol on school property or during school sponsored activities will face disciplinary actions consistent with Kindle Farm’s Student Conduct policy and restorative principles.
Parents and students will receive copies of the standards of conduct and disciplinary sanctions related to this policy. Compliance with these standards is mandatory. Notifications will be provided through the student handbook distributed to all students at the beginning of each school year or upon enrollment.