Middletown Public Schools                                                                                                         No. 7030

ALCOHOL SENSOR DEVICE

            Students are prohibited from using, possessing or being under the influence of alcohol on school property or at school related functions.  Therefore, the school department reserves the right to use an alcohol sensor device to deter the use and possession of alcohol in schools and at school activities.

A.     Suspicionless Testing – All students and their guests attending school dances/proms/semi formals will be required to take a breathalyzer test before entering the event.  If the results of such a test prove positive or a student or guest declines to participate, for the safety of students and others, the individual will be denied entry to the event and, in accordance with procedures adopted by the Superintendent, will be released into the custody of his or her parent or guardian or, if they are unavailable, to another responsible adult to transport the individual safely to his or her home.  In accordance with procedures to be adopted by the Superintendent, a student may also be barred from attendance at future school events of the same kind; suspended from participation in any voluntary extracurricular activities, teams, or clubs in which the student is a leader, participant, or member; and referred to the student assistance counselor.

B.      Reasonable Suspicion Testing – The alcohol sensor devices may also be used during the school day or at other functions deemed appropriate by the building principals as follows:  A student about whom there is a reasonable suspicion of consumption of alcohol shall be referred to the appropriate administrator who shall determine if there is a reasonable suspicion that the student shall be given the option to submit to the use of an alcohol sensor device.  Indicia of reasonable suspicion may include, but will not be limited to, alcohol odor, slurred speech, unsteady gait, lack of coordination, presence in the vicinity of an alcohol container, bloodshot or glared eyes, or such other information that raises a reasonable suspicion as to alcohol consumption.  If the results of the test prove positive or the student declines to participate, the student shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the individual school’s code of conduct.

With respect to both Suspicionless Testing and Reasonable Suspicion Testing, process and procedures to reasonably ensure reliability of the screening instrument, appropriate training for school administrators with respect to the use of devices, and student privacy during the taking of a sample will be followed.

(Adapted from Barrington Public Schools)

History:     5131.7R

                  7030  - Approved June 22, 2010

                  7030 – Revised July 18, 2012

                  7030 – Revised and Approved – August 23, 2012