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here to view text of new school substance abuse policy
06/16/09
Policy revision encourages self-reporting of student substance use
A revised substance abuse policy for the Cape Elizabeth School Department has sought to put the extra-curricular 'contract', required for students who participate in after-school programs, in a different light.
The previous policy, last revised in 2006 as an extension of a policy for student athletes, had suspended offenders from extra-curricular activities for a period of time. The revised policy still does, but for first-offenders who self-report, the consequences are to meet with counselors and social workers, with the hope of avoiding further issues.
The revision is based on input from school officials, an online survey of parents and students, and a public forum held this spring. And, in the words of High School Principal Jeff Shedd, the revisions will hopefully encourage a little more honest communication with the school and among parents in the community.
The most recent policy, Shedd said, did deter some from drinking or using illegal substances, but it was far from perfect and created some problems of it own. "A lot happens that does not get reported," Shedd told members of the board at their meeting June 9, 2009. "Violations take place that never come to us. It creates a dynamic of tension between community members," he said. He said he thinks some of the adopted changes are intended to resolve some of those problems.
The revised policy also presents the student agreement not as a contract, but as an acknowledgement that the student and parent have read and understand the policy, said Rebecca Millett, chairman of the School Board's policy subcommittee.
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