Couch R-I Student Handbook

Alcohol and Drugs on School Property

The Couch School District is concerned with the health, welfare and safety of its students. Therefore, use, sale, transfer, distribution, possession or being under the influence of unauthorized prescription drugs, alcohol, narcotic substances, unauthorized inhalants, controlled substances, illegal drugs, counterfeit substances and imitation controlled substances is prohibited on any district property, in any district-owned vehicle or in any other district approved vehicle used to transport students to and from school or district activities. This prohibition also applies to any district-sponsored or district-approved activity, event or function, such as a field trip or athletic event, where students are under the supervision of the school district. The use, sale, transfer or possession of drug-related paraphernalia is also prohibited. For the purpose of this policy a controlled substance shall include any controlled substance, counterfeit substance or imitation 18 controlled substance as defined in the Narcotic Drug Act, § 195.010, RSMo., and in schedules I, II, III, IV and V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. § 812(c). Students may only be in possession of medication as detailed in Board policy JHCD. Searches of persons reasonably suspected to be in violation of this policy will be conducted in accordance with Board policy. Any student who is found by the administration to be in violation of this policy shall be referred for prosecution and subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension, expulsion or other discipline in accordance with the district's discipline policy. Strict compliance is mandatory. The school principal shall immediately report all incidents involving a controlled substance to the appropriate local law enforcement agency and the superintendent. All controlled substances shall be turned over to local law enforcement. Students with disabilities who violate this policy will be disciplined in accordance with policy.

The following enumerated items may be adhered to when, in the best administrative judgment of the administrator, any student has in his possession any controlled substance:

  1. The local law enforcement officials may be notified and called to the school immediately if a substance is available.
  2. If a substance is available, it will be turned over to the law enforcement officials. They will be asked to identify the substance.
  3. Within ten (10) days of the initial suspension, the principal will have a recommendation for the superintendent concerning reinstatement, continued suspension or expulsion.
  4. The superintendent will make the Board aware of the types of offenses, and if the nature of the situation warrants punishment over 90 days of suspension, the superintendent will make a recommendation to the board. The Board reserves the right to call in outside civil authorities where it deems appropriate.
  5. The student will have the right to appeal the actions taken by the principal to the superintendent of schools and then to the Board of Education.

The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (P.L. 101-226) requires that parents and students be given a copy of the standards of conduct and the statement of disciplinary sanctions. Couch School will provide information about any drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs that are available to students. Compliance with this policy is mandatory according to Public Law 101- 226.

Students have no expectation of privacy in lockers, desks, computers, or other district-provided equipment or areas. The district will conduct periodic and unannounced administrative searches of lockers, computers and other district equipment. The district uses dogs to indicate the presence of alcohol, drugs, or other prohibited substances on campus, including the parking lot. Additional searches of bags, purses, coats, electronic devices, other personal possessions and vehicles in accordance with law.

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Last Updated Wednesday, July 24, 2024