Swampscott implements new substance policy

SWAMPSCOTT – A new chemical health policy is in effect for all high school students in the district and a second policy is in effect for students involved in sports.The new policy goes into effect the first day of summer after the conclusion of eighth grade and remains in place through high school graduation. Unlike the old policy, this one is in effect 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.The policy prohibits a student from possessing, buying, selling, consuming or giving away any beverage containing alcohol, any tobacco product, marijuana, steroids, any other controlled substance or “any substance that alters perception or behaviors reducing that individual’s ability to function appropriately at any time.”High School Principal Layne Millington said the chemical health policy is a contract between the school and students.”The consequences of violating the policy deal with removing extra-curricular and non-curricular activities,” Millington said. “We are asking students to sign an agreement that gives them the right to participate in activities and in exchange we are asking them to give something up. Students are being asked to refrain from using drugs, alcohol and tobacco products.”Students are required to meet with school personnel and sign the contract before being allowed to participate in any field trips, extra-curricular activities or sports.Unlike illicit drugs and alcohol, tobacco products are legal for anyone who is 18 years of age or older.When asked if non-athletes, who are 18 years old and legally able to use tobacco products, would be sanctioned by the school for off campus tobacco use, Millington said it is possible, but unlikely.”The use of tobacco products is included in the policy because of the health risks associated with it,” he said. “The smoking piece is there because it is bad for the health of the kids. This policy does cover what happens on weekends. In enforcing it we primarily rely on police reports. I don’t think the police are going to write kids up for using tobacco.”School Committee Chairman Jacqueline Kinney said the issue of a student, who is legally old enough to purchase and use tobacco products using it on weekends or during the summer, was not discussed when the policy was drafted.”I don’t know it would work,” she said. “I don’t know the answer to that question. It never came up. I know the policy was vetted by legal counsel.”Attempts to reach Superintendent Lynne Celli were unsuccessful on Friday, but School Committee member Glenn Paster said he is extremely pleased with the new policy.”I could not be any more proud of how Dr. Celli, Dr. Millington and their leadership teams have come together to address this problem head on. It’s all about safety and responsibility. I think it’s a great thing. If it saves one kid it will all be worthwhile.”The second policy, which is geared toward athletes and students participating in clubs, is almost identical to the policy governing all students and it is in accordance with the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, which is an organization of 373 high schools.Both policies make an exception for controlled substances and steroids prescribed for a student with a documented medical condition with a note from a doctor.The policy also includes a provision that students, who are at a party where alcohol is present, but are not under the influence of alcohol, would be required to participate in and complete an approved drug/alcohol awareness program.The penalty for violations stipulates a student found to be in violation of the policy would be ineligible to participate in any and all extracurricular activities for one year or until they have completed an approved drug/alcohol counseling program.