Procedures for Students Involved in

Substance Abuse

The Irvine Unified School District and participating law enforcement agencies have agreed to work in a cooperative manner with students involved in substance use. Procedures outlined have been reviewed by the agencies involved and will be in effect until such time as it is mutually agreed to revise them. All agencies involved in assisting students in substance abuse cases have agreed to cooperate and work together in assessing corrective measures to avoid duplications and unfair punishment. The schools have agreed to release all substances confiscated from students to the appropriate law enforcement agency. It is the intent of Irvine Unified School District to provide a safe, alcohol and drug free environment for all of our students. Acts for which students may be disciplined by school officials include student conduct on school property, or while going to or from school, or while engaged in or attending a school activity.

The provisions of this regulation shall apply to alcohol and drug use violations including, but not limited to, using, possessing, distributing, manufacturing, or being under the influence of a controlled substance. The provisions apply to using, possessing (substance or paraphernalia), manufacturing, or distributing drug paraphernalia.

A. The first violation for using, possessing, distributing or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or any other controlled substance shall result in: a) suspension from school for a minimum of two days, b) required participation in a three-day Substance Abuse Prevention Program, and c) suspension for 10 school days from all student school-sponsored activities (athletic teams, performing arts events, clubs, and all other school-sponsored activities). The principal may recommend an extended suspension for participation in student activities. In addition, a recommendation for expulsion may be made.

The suspension shall be excused absences, and makeup work shall be provided by the school during the period of suspension, if the student and his or her parent or legal guardian agree to, and subsequently participate satisfactorily in, the Substance Abuse Prevention Education Program, and/or other drug use prevention follow-up activity designated by the school principal or designee.

Should the student fail to participate after two scheduled attempts in the Substance Abuse Prevention Program or other drug use prevention follow-up activity, the student shall be involuntarily transferred to SELF, or other designated alternative program. (See Involuntary Transfer, Policy 5120)

B. The principal or principal's designee shall report the violation to the Irvine Police Department. In instances where material is found that is suspected of being a controlled substance, it shall be turned over to the Police Department.

C. The principal or principal's designee shall notify the student's parent or guardian of a) the suspension, b) the conditions for readmittance, c) the fact that the absences will be excused if the student and his or her parent or legal guardian participate satisfactorily in a designated follow-up activity, d) involuntary transfer to SELF High School should the student fail to participate in a designated follow-up activity, and e) the consequences of any subsequent violations and further, that all controlled substance use violations, including this one, are reported to the police. The student and parent or legal guardian shall be requested to sign a statement that they have been informed of the consequences of any subsequent violations.

Second Violation (Other than Distributing or Manufacturing)

A. The second and any subsequent violation for using, possessing, furnishing or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other controlled substances, shall result in a) suspension from school for five days, and b) from all school activities (athletic teams, performing arts events, clubs, and all other school-sponsored activities) for the remainder of the school year, and c) the potential involuntary transfer of the student to SELF High School for the remainder of the current and/or following semester. In addition, a recommendation for expulsion will be made, which may include an extended suspension.

B. The principal or principal's designee shall report the violation to the Irvine Police Department. In instances where material is found that is suspected of being a controlled substance, it shall be turned over to the Police Department. The principal or principal's designee shall notify the student's parent or guardian of the suspension and the conditions for readmittance.

A. A violation involving distributing or manufacturing a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia, shall result in suspension from school for five days, the principal shall recommend expulsion from school, and the student will be expelled.

B. The principal or principal's designee shall report the violation to the Irvine Police Department. In instances where material is found that is suspected of being a controlled substance, it shall be turned over to the Police Department. The principal or principal's designee shall notify the student's parent or guardian of the suspension and the conditions for readmittance.

The use of all tobacco products in district-owned or leased buildings and vehicles, and on district property is prohibited at any time by students, staff, parents, and the general public.