A Memorandum of Understanding has been entered into by the Superintendent of Schools representing the Falmouth School Committee and the Chief of Police representing the Falmouth Selectmen to formalize procedures for communication and cooperation on incidents of alcohol and/or any other drug use, possession and distribution by students in the Falmouth School System. Each Principal or their designee will be the liaison with the Police Department. The School Resource Officer will be the police officer who interacts with the school system.  We agree to coordinate our efforts to prevent student alcohol and/or any other drug use and abuse.

Behavior: Student voluntarily confides an alcohol and/or any other drug problem to school personnel.

School Response: Teacher will consult with the counselor for help in deciding appropriate action or referral.

Interaction with Police: None

Behavior: School personnel have reasonable cause to suspect that student is using alcohol and/or any other drug.

School Response: Student will be removed from class.  Principal/designee will confer with school personnel, assess student and call parent(s)/guardian(s).  Suspension from school and privileges as stated in handbook may be imposed.  Student will confer with the counselor for one (1) to three (3) required sessions.  Alternately, the student may meet with a counselor chosen by the parent/guardian with the conditions that it is done in a timely fashion and verified by that counselor.  An expulsion hearing with the Principal may be held.

Interaction with Police: Notification at the Principal’s discretion.  In consultation with, and with the approval of the Principal, the school resource officer will decide on the level of police involvement.

Behavior: Student is or admits to being under the influence of alcohol and/or any other drug but no contraband is found.

School Response: Student will be removed from class.  Principal or designee will immediately notify parent(s)/guardian(s).  Suspension from school and privileges as stated in handbook will be imposed. Student, their parent(s)/guardian(s) and the counselor shall agree upon a treatment plan within ten days. An expulsion hearing with the Principal may be held.

Interaction with Police:  Notification by the school.  In consultation with, and with the approval of the Principal, the school resource offer will decide on the level of police involvement.

Behavior: Student is in possession of alcohol and/or any other drug.

School Response:  In addition to notification of parent(s)/guardian(s) and suspension, student and their parents/guardians will attend a meeting with the SAT counselor prior to a possible expulsion hearing with Principal. Contraband is turned over to police.

Interaction with Police: Notification by the school. Criminal action may be taken.

Behavior: Student is selling or distributing alcohol and/or any other drug.

School Response: In addition to above, student will be removed from premises by police.

Interaction with Police: Notification by the school with all evidence turned over to police. Court action will be initiated.