File: JICHA

BREATHALYZER TESTING

In order to safeguard the individual and general welfare of all students, the Palmer Public Schools may administer a breathalyzer test as a condition of admission to school or school-related activity to any student or his/her guests. It may also administer such a test at any time during the school day or activity. 

Breathalyzer Testing
Students exhibiting signs of having consumed alcohol, including, but not limited to glassy eyes, slurred speech, unsteadiness on the feet or emission of an alcoholic odor may be requested to take a breathalyzer test administered by a school administrator.  If test results are negative, no action shall be taken.  If a student tests positive for alcohol, he or she will receive one additional opportunity to take the test.  Students who test positive for alcohol (a .02 reading on the breathalyzer test) or students who refuse to take a Breathalyzer test upon reasonable suspicion to suspect they have consumed alcohol, will be subject to all school rules relating to the use and/or possession of alcohol.

Protocol for Use of Breathalyzer

1. The Breathalyzer can be used during the school day and at all school-sponsored activities including but not limited to: dances, proms or other extracurricular activities.
2. The Breathalyzer is administered to any student who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol using the approved checklist.
3. The Breathalyzer will be administered by a school administrator only.  Any administrator who administers the Breathalyzer must have been previously trained by a Palmer Police Officer.
4. There will always be two people present when the observation checklist is completed and the Breathalyzer is administered (either another school administrator or a teacher).
5. The Breathalyzer will be administered in a private area, away from other students.
6. The student will have two opportunities to take the Breathalyzer.  The initial test may be administered at any time. A second test will be conducted fifteen minutes after the first test has been administered. The results of the Breathalyzer test(s) will be documented and attached to the observation checklist.
7. If a student does not pass the Breathalyzer, his/her parents will be notified and must come to pick them up.  If a parent/guardian cannot be reached the student will be placed in protective custody by the police department in the town where the event is located until a parent/guardian can pick up the student.  The Palmer Police will be notified if the student is still in possession of alcohol.
8. Students who test positive for alcohol or refuse to take the Breathalyzer test upon determination that there is reasonable cause to suspect that they have consumed alcohol will be subject to all school rules relating to the use and/or possession of alcohol.  Student handbook: “Any student suspected of using, possessing or distributing drugs or alcohol will be referred to the principal or designee.  If the student is determined to be in violation, the student will be suspended from school and/or co-curricular activities for a period of up to twenty (20) days.  The Superintendent, parents and police will be notified.”

LEGAL REF.:            MGL 272: 40A
Adopted by the School Committee on 9/12/06.

File:  JICHA-R

PROTOCOL FOR BREATHALYZER TESTING

Students exhibiting signs of having consumed alcohol, including but not limited to glassy eyes, slurred speech, unsteadiness on the feet or emission of an alcoholic odor may be requested to take a breathalyzer test. If the results are negative, no action will be taken, although subsequent administrations of the breathalyzer test may be given at any time.  If a student tests positive for alcohol, a second test will be conducted fifteen minutes after the first test has been administered. Students who test positive for alcohol (.02 reading on the breathalyzer test) or students who refuse to take a breathalyzer test upon reasonable suspicion to suspect they have consumed alcohol, will be subject to all school rules relating to the use and/or possession of alcohol.

Protocol for the Use of the Breathalyzer

Alcohol Observation Checklist

Observation of Student

Name: _________________    Date: __________   Time: _______    Event/Location: _____________

Check all that apply:

1. Walking

normal          stumbling        staggering       falling      unsteady

2. Speech

normal          shouting          slurred             incoherent         whispering

3. Demeanor

normal          sleepy         crying         fighting         overexcited          agitated

4. Eyes

normal          bloodshot        glassy              watery               dilated

5. Personal Conduct

normal          profanity         hostile             erratic

6. Breath

normal          alcoholic odor            faint alcoholic odor

7. Other Observations:                                                                                                                           

Questions:
Are you feeling ill?    Yes   No       If yes, please describe                                                                

Are you taking any medication?     Yes   No

If yes, would care to tell us what it is?                                                                                                       

Have you consumed alcohol today?    Yes   No     How did you get here?                                       

Disposition/conclusion:                                                                                                                               

Next action:                                                                                                                                                 

Contact parents:       Yes   No                   Breathalyzer test results attached:    Yes   No

Staff member’s name:                                                             Witness:                                                       

School Sponsored Event

Each student entering a school-sponsored activity may be required to submit to a breathalyzer test as a condition of admission.  This is a passive, non-invasive test where no mouthpiece is needed.  Students will be asked to speak or breathe into the microphone-like device.

1. The administration will determine at which school-sponsored events the breathalyzer test procedures will be used.  These events will include, but are not limited to, proms, dances, concerts, overnight activities, optional field trips, athletic events, etc.
2. The administration will determine the manner by which the students will be tested:  entire group, pre-determined random selection, or based on individualized reasonable suspicion.  The trained administrator or trained staff member present at such events has the authority to test and retest any individual suspected of being under the influence of alcohol even if the student has a negative test upon entering the event.
3. Students attending these school sponsored events may be required to take a breathalyzer test administered by a trained member of the staff or administration prior to entering the event.
1. Any student who tests positive will be given a second test after a waiting period of fifteen (15) minutes;
2. If this test is also positive, the student will be denied entrance to the event, detained by school officials until parents/guardians arrive and an investigation is conducted.  The student will be sent home and, subject to disciplinary procedures, will be suspended.
3. Students who refuse the test will be denied entrance to the event and detained until parents/guardians arrive to remove them.  In such cases, subject to disciplinary procedures, the student will be suspended.
4. Whether school officials are testing students randomly or testing the entire group, a student who tests positive or refuses to be tested may be prohibited from participating in future extra-curricular activities
4. A student already in attendance at a school-sponsored event who is suspected of being under the influence will be tested or retested.
1. If this test is positive, the student will be detained until parents/guardians arrive and, subject to disciplinary procedures, will be suspended.
2. If a student, already in attendance, who is suspected of using alcohol as described herein refuses the test, that student will be detained and sent home with a parent/guardian and, subject to disciplinary procedures, will be suspended.
5. The Breathalyzer Protocol shall apply to all students and guests, regardless of age.

Adopted by the School Committee on 9/12/06.