Alcohol and Tobacco
Alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention tips for students
Talk to your child about drugs
- Choose like-minded friends. Pay attention to who you are hanging out with. Avoid peer
pressure by hanging out with friends who also disagree with underage drinking and using drugs. Be a role
model and set a positive example.
- Make Connections With Your Parents or Other Adults. As you grow up, having people you
can rely on and talk to about life, its challenges, and your decisions about alcohol and drugs is very
important. Someone else's life experiences can help put things in perspective.
- Follow the Family Rules About Alcohol and Drugs. Having the trust and respect of your
parents is very important as you grow up and want to have more freedom. Don't let alcohol and drugs come
between you and your parents.
- Get Educated About Alcohol and Drugs. Do not rely on the false information from your
friends and social media. Talking with your parents about alcohol and drugs can be very helpful. It may
seem like “everyone is doing it,” but they are not. Do some research from a trusted source.
- Plan Ahead. When going to a party or out with friends, you need to plan ahead in order
to protect yourself. Keep a bottled drink like a soda or iced tea with you to drink at parties. People
will be less likely to pressure you to drink alcohol if you're already drinking something. If you end up
in a dangerous situation, get out fast. Make up code words to text a parent or trusted adult. To them,
your safety is always first priority.
- Get Help. If you or someone you know needs help, call SAMHSA's National Helpline's
free, confidential, 24/7, 365 days a year treatment referral and information service in English and
Spanish at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Don't wait. You don't have to be alone.
Learn how to enjoy life and the people in your life, without adding alcohol or drugs. Take
responsibility for your life, your health and your safety.
As a parent, you have a major impact on your child's decision not to use tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. It's
important to have conversations with your child about drug and alcohol use. Choose times when you're
unlikely to be interrupted — and set aside phones. It is not recommended to have a conversation, when
you're
angry with your child, when you aren't prepared to answer questions, or when your child is drunk or high
Talk to your child about drugs:
- Ask about their views. Avoid lectures. Instead, listen to your child's opinions and
questions about drugs. Assure your child that he or she can be honest with you.
- Discuss reasons not to use drugs. Avoid scare tactics. Emphasize how drug use can
affect the things that are important to them — such as sports, driving, health and appearance.
- Know the facts. The human brain continues to develop until the age of 25. Alcohol and
other drugs can impair good decision-making and cause long-term consequences to the brain.
- Consider media messages. Social media, television programs, movies, and songs can
glamorize or make light of drug use. Talk about what your child sees and hears.
- Discuss ways to resist peer pressure. Brainstorm with your child about how to turn down
offers of drugs. Since most kids will face peer pressure at some time, your child should have a plan for
how to respond to it.
Other preventive strategies to consider:
- Know their activities. Pay attention to your child's whereabouts. Encourage him or her
to get involved in adult-supervised activities.
- Establish rules and consequences. Explain your family rules and send a clear message
that you disapprove underage alcohol and drug use. If your child breaks the rules, consistently enforce
consequences.
- Know their friends. If your child's friends use drugs, he or she might feel pressure to
experiment, too. Encourage positive friendships.
- Keep track of prescription drugs. Take an inventory of all prescription and
over-the-counter medications in your home.
- Provide support. Offer praise and encouragement when your child succeeds. A strong bond
between you and your child can help prevent your teen from using drugs.
- Set a good example. If you drink, do so in moderation. Use prescription drugs as
directed. Don't use illicit drugs.
It's never too soon to start talking to your child about drug abuse. The conversations you have today can
help your teen make healthy choices in the future.
Adapted from The Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teen-drug-abuse/art-20045921
Attendance
All students are required to attend school every day of the school year. Parents are responsible for
their child's daily school attendance.
Students shall be counted in attendance if they are actually present at school at the time the attendance is
taken or are away from school on a school day and engaged in an educational activity that constitutes a part
of the school-approved instructional program for the student (Section 1003.23, Florida Statutes).
- All students are expected to be on time and present each day school is open during the school year.
- Students may not be absent from school without permission of the principal/designee.
- The school principal or designee is the only person authorized to excuse a student's absence.
- Any time a student is absent from school, the parent or guardian must communicate the reason for the
absence to the school. A phone call or note from a parent/guardian is a request that a student's
absence be excused.
- When a student accumulates an excessive number of absences - five (5) days in a calendar month or
ten (10) days within 90 calendar days - and additional absences occur which are caused by illness, a
written statement from a physician verifying that the absence was caused by an illness may be
required by the principal to be submitted by the parent/guardian (School Board Policy
5200).
- Habitual tardiness is defined as six (6) or more tardies to school or to an individual class per quarter
Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by
the end of 3rd grade or be held back.
By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator
that a student will drop out of high school.
9th grade attendance is a better predictor of school dropout
than 8th grade test scores.
*Goss, C. L., & Andren, K. J. (2014). Dropout prevention.
The
Guilford Press.; National Dropout Prevention Center (2017).
Bullying/Harassment
Section 1006.147 of Florida Statute prohibits bullying or harassment of any student or employee of a public
K-12 educational institution. The District will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any type. All
students and employees have the right to feel respected, secure and safe while participating in school and
school-related activities. School District policy and procedures are specified in School
Board
Policy 5517.01.
The policy requires that:
- All incidents of bullying or harassment be reported to the designated administrator.
- All allegations of bullying or harassment are investigated in a timely manner.
- Parents of both parties (the alleged bully and the target) are notified that the
- investigation is occurring.
- Parents are notified of the outcome of the investigation by the school.
- Interventions and disciplinary consequences will be provided to a student who has committed an act (or
acts) of bullying.
- The student who is the target of the behavior receives appropriate interventions and follow up
Bullying includes cyberbullying and means systematically and chronically inflicting physical
hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees. It is further defined as unwanted and
repeated written, verbal or physical behavior, including any threatening, insulting or dehumanizing gesture
by a student or adult that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive
educational environment; cause discomfort or humiliation; or unreasonably interfere with the individual's
school performance or participation. It may involve but is not limited to:
- Teasing
- Threats
- Stalking
- Destruction of property
- Theft
- Intimidation
- Social exclusion
- Physical violence
- Public or private humiliation
- Cyberbullying
- Religious-, disability- or racially based harassment
- Sexual (including gender identity/expression, and sexual orientation) based harassment (investigated
separately through Title IX).
There are 4 types of bullying:
- Verbal
- Physical
- Emotional
- Cyberbullying
Harassment is any threatening, insulting or dehumanizing gesture, use of data or computer
software or written, verbal or physical conduct that 1) places a student or school employee in reasonable
fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property, 2) has the effect of substantially
interfering with a student's educational performance or opportunities, or 3) has the effect of substantially
disrupting the orderly operation of a school including any course of conduct directed at a specific person
that causes substantial emotional distress in such a person and serves no legitimate purpose.
Bullying or harassment may or may not be related to race, color, national origin, ethnicity
or disability. Harassment (including sexual harassment covered under Title IX) based on
race, color, national origin, gender and/or disability is against the law. Discrimination
based on race, color and/or national origin is against the law.
Examples of conduct which may constitute bullying or harassment include:
- Graffiti containing offensive language directed towards a person or persons
- Name-calling, jokes or rumors
- A threat directed at another because of one's race, color, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity,
national origin, disability, or personal attributes
- Notes or cartoons related to one's race, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or personal
attributes
- Racial slurs, negative stereotypes, and hostile acts based on one's personal attributes
- A physical act of aggression or assault upon another because of, or in a manner reasonably related to,
race, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability or personal attributes
- Other aggressive conduct such as theft or damage to property which is motivated by one's race, color,
national origin, ethnicity or disability
Sexual harassment consists of unwanted verbal or physical behavior with sexual connotation
that is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment,
cause discomfort or humiliation or unreasonable interference with the individual's school performance or
participation; unwelcome and repeated sexual advances; requests for sexual favors; and other inappropriate
verbal, nonverbal, written, graphic, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples of conduct which may
constitute sexual harassment include:
- Touching oneself sexually or talking about one's sexual activities in front of others
- Coercing, forcing or attempting to coerce or force the touching of anyone's intimate parts
- Sexually oriented comments, jokes or gestures
- Drawings of a sexual nature, notes or cartoons of such
- Unwelcome touching, patting, pinching or physical contact other than necessary when restraining of
student(s) by school personnel to avoid physical harm to persons or property
- Offensive or graphic posters or book covers
- Unwelcome sexual behavior or words, including demands for sexual favors, accompanied by implied or overt
promises of preferential treatment with regard to an individual's employment or educational status.
If any words or actions make you feel uncomfortable or fearful, you should report it to a
teacher, school counselor, the assistant principal, the school equity coordinator or the principal. You may
also make a written report. It should be given to the school equity coordinator, assistant principal or
principal. Your right to privacy will be respected according to the guidelines of Title IX. The
School District will take action if anyone tries to intimidate you or harm you because you made such a
report.
Bullying Prevention Tips for Students
Are You Being Bullied?
- Always tell a trusted adult. Share the details about what is happening to a parent, teacher, or school
counselor, and let them know how it made you feel. Ask them what to do to stop the bullying
- If you feel safe, tell the person who is bullying you to stop in a calm, clear voice
- Say nothing and walk away
- For cyberbullying, you should never respond in any way. Save a copy of the text or picture and show it
to a trusted adult
- Stay in a group whenever possible so you are less likely to be bullied and will have others nearby to
help if you are
- Do not blame yourself! No one deserves to be bullied
Do You Bully Others?
- Stop and think about what you are doing and how it makes others feel
- Talk to an adult. Parents, teachers, school counselors and other trusted adults can help you get along
with others better
- Respect yourself and treat others with the same respect you want
Did You Witness Bullying?
- Support those who are being bullied by spending time with them, including them in activities, or by just
talking to them
- Stand up to the person who is bullying, if you feel safe to do so
- Report the bullying to an adult. Kids are less likely to bully when they think it will be reported
Behavior and Bullying Awareness Guidelines
Source: Adapted from Jennifer Astles, DASA Newsletter, January 2014, TST BOCES modified by The School
District of Lee County Student Services
Bullying Investigation Process Flowchart
Conduct an Investigation
Begin investigation within two school/working days
Complainant, accused and parents (if applicable) notified of formal written complaint and
interviewed
within two days
Document all interviews with parties and witnesses throughout the investigation using the Bully Complaint
Report Form and Bully Witness Statement Form
Was there bullying?
Bicycle Helmets & Safety
A bicycle rider or passengers under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that meets the standards of
the American National Standards Institute (Section 316.2065, Florida Statute). Bicycle helmets must
be worn by anyone under the age of 16 riding or a passenger on a bicycle on School Board-owned property.
Bicycles must be operated in a safe manner according to the rules of the Florida Bicycle Traffic Law
(Section 316.2065, Florida Statute). A bicyclist may not wear a headset, headphone or other
listening device other than a hearing aid when riding (Section 316.304, Florida Statute).
Bus Transportation
Riding the bus is a privilege. A student who violates these rules will be reported to the school principal/
designee who has authority to suspend that student from bus transportation. A bus suspension does not mean
that a student is suspended from attending school. Students serving a bus suspension are still required to
attend school.
- Students who receive special transportation on their IEP or 504 Plan due to their disability is
suspended from the bus, the missed days will also be treated as an out of school suspension. These days
also count towards the 10 cumulative days in the school year, which, if exceeded, could result in a
change of placement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
- Under McKinney-Vento, students who are homeless have a right to transportation. Consult with the
District's Homeless Liaison for more information.
- School bus drivers have the authority to monitor and control the behavior of students any time they are
being transported to and from school or school functions (Section 1006.10, Florida Statutes).
These rules are in the interest of student safety and apply to all students when they are being transported
on a school bus. These rules are posted in all The School District of Lee County buses:
- The driver is in full charge of the bus, and students must obey the driver.
- Students shall keep assigned seats at all times with arms and heads inside the bus and lapbelt fastened.
- Eating, drinking or chewing gum will not be allowed on the school bus.
- Anything that interferes with student safety will not be permitted.
- Use of personal electronic devices is allowed with personal earbuds/headphones only.
- Students are not permitted to use an electronic device or camera to record activities ona school bus.
- Possession of all personal electronic devices on a District-operated bus, including cell phones, is at
the student's own risk and the District and individual schools assume no responsibility, legal or
otherwise, with regard to these items.
- Students who make false reports while riding a school bus will face disciplinary action.
Computer/Network Useage
Network Warning
The School District of Lee County, Florida considers the use of computer technology to be vital to the
educational process. The District takes every precaution to ensure safe and responsible use of computer
network and Internet resources. The District views information retrieval over the network and on local
computer workstations in the same capacity as information retrieval from reference materials identified by
schools. Specifically, the District supports those materials which will enhance research and inquiry
abilities of the learner with directed guidance from faculty and staff. Acceptable uses of network
and other computing resources are activities which support learning and teaching in The School District
of Lee County.
With such wide access to computers, social media and people all over the world, there is also the
availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school
setting.
There may be some material, individual contacts or communications which are not suitable for school-aged
children.
The School District of Lee County has taken precautions to manage access to inappropriate materials.
The School District will make every effort to provide appropriate supervision; however, it is impossible
to control all materials on a global network (Internet). The school or District cannot prevent the
possibility that some users may access material that is inconsistent with the educational mission, goals and
policies of the school or District, since access to the Internet may be obtained from sites other than a
school.
It is a general policy that the District's Intranet environment and Internet access resources are to be used
in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner. Failure to adhere to the general policy and
guidelines will result in suspension or revocation of the user's privileges of access. Unacceptable uses of
the network include but are not limited to:
- Violating the conditions of the Education Code dealing with students' rights to privacy
- Using profanity, obscenity or other language which is offensive to another user
- Reposting another individual's communications without the author's prior consent
- Copying commercial software in violation of copyright law or other copyright protected material
- Using the network for financial gain or for any commercial or illegal activity
- Using the network for product advertisement, political lobbying or to unlawfully promote religion
- The malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user or any other network, which is considered
vandalism and is prohibited
- Improperly using telecommunication services or technology and/or posting inappropriate information on
the web, during or after school hours that may interfere with the school environment.
Dress Code and Dressing for Success
The purpose of the dress code is to encourage students to focus on the learning process without the
distractions of unsuitable dress and grooming, as well as developing good habits that will lead to
“dressing for success” in college and career. Students shall maintain a clean, orderly
appearance at all times. The responsibility for the personal appearance of the student rests with the
parent/guardian and the student.
Personal appearance shall not disrupt the educational process. A student who is dressed appropriately is
demonstrating a respect for self and others, as well as contributing to a safe and orderly learning
environment. The following establishes the minimum acceptable standards for student dress to be interpreted
and enforced by the principal or designee. Enforcement will focus on positive guidance without embarrassment
to the student and should not disrupt the educational process. Principal have the authority with their staff
and community, as permitted by School Board policy, to establish additional standards at individual schools.
For schools with a uniform policy, refer to the school's student handbook for additional dress code
information regarding specific school standards.
- Apparel shall be adequate in both length and coverage to be considered appropriate for school.
- Pants shall be worn fastened and at the waist with no undergarments showing.
- Pants with holes, tears, etc. may not be worn if, in the principal's judgment, they may cause a
disruption to the school environment.
- Shirts shall be appropriately fastened in accord with the design of the shirt. The length shall extend
beyond the waist level.
- Clothing that exposes underwear or body parts in an indecent or vulgar manner is prohibited.
- Transparent or see-through tops, tops that bare midriff, strapless, low-cut clothing or tops and outfits
that provide minimum coverage or are of a suggestive nature are prohibited; halters, backless dresses or
tops, tube tops, tank tops, muscle shirts or any clothing which may be distracting are prohibited.
Any articles of clothing or jewelry that could likely cause injury - such as chains, bracelets, rings and
chokers with or without spikes or studs - are prohibited. Wallet chains of any length are prohibited.
- Students must wear shoes at all times that are safe and appropriate for the learning environment.
- Apparel, emblems, insignias, badges or symbols that promote the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or any
other illegal activity are prohibited.
- Apparel or symbols which may be gang-related may not be displayed on a student's person or in the
student's possession.
- Gang-related tattoos, or other tattoos that may cause a substantial disruption to the educational
environment as determined by the principal, are prohibited.
- Adornments that, in the principal's judgment could cause injury, be a safety risk or cause a disruption
to the school environment may not be worn. Examples of prohibited adornments include, but are not
limited to, hoops or rings attached to the nose, eyebrow, cheeks or lips.
- The wearing on campus of hats, caps, headgear (including hoodies) or sunglasses except in
conjunction with designated school-approved uniforms or at authorized athletic practices or activities
is prohibited. There may be certain exceptions for medical conditions, religious observationand physical
education classes held outside. The principal will determine these exceptions.
- Any method of public display (including clothing, nail polish and other items that may be worn or
carried)of an organization affiliated with controversial, obscene or illegal activities on a
person may not be worn if in the principal's judgement, they may cause a substantial disruption to the
school environment.
- Long/oversized coats, jackets or jerseys are prohibited.
Drivers Licence/Loss of Driving Privilege
- Per state statute (Section 322.091) driving privileges are contingent upon good attendance.
- Any student age 14 or older and accumulates 15 unexcused absences within a period of 90 calendar days
are reported to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV), per The Florida
Legislature. Those students who fail to satisfy attendance requirements will be ineligible to obtain or
maintain driving privileges (Section 322.091, Florida Statues). For information on suspension of a
driver's license due to excessive absences, see Attendance Policy 5200.
- Reinstatement of driving privileges requires 30 consecutive days of attendance with no unexcused
absences, per state statute (Section 322.091).
- Middle school students may not drive to school.
- Students enrolled in Success Academy or Prevention Center may not drive to school.
Make Up Work
A student who is absent and the absence is determined to be an excused absence, as defined by School
Board
Policy 5200, is required to make up all course work missed. Make-up work for unexcused
absences will be at the discretion of the school principal. It is the student's responsibility to obtain
assignments
from the appropriate teacher(s) upon returning to class immediately following an absence. For excused
absences, the student will be given the number of days absent plus one additional day to make up all work
missed for full credit.
Mental Health Instruction
Three State Board of Education rules require Florida school districts to provide instruction in certain
health education topics, beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. Students enrolled in grades 6 through 12
will receive instruction in mental and emotional health education and students in kindergarten through grade
12 will receive instruction on child trafficking prevention, substance use and abuse health education. Each
lesson is developmentally appropriate by grade level and progresses from year-to-year as students move to
the next grade level. All instruction is in alignment with Florida State Statute 1003.42 (2)(n) and State
Board of Education Rules. For more information, please visit the district's Mental Health and
Wellness Portal.
Pledge of Allegiance
Florida Statute requires the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag to be recited in each school in the state of
Florida at the beginning of each day;. followed by one minute of silence. Upon receipt of a
written request by a parent, a student has the right not to participate in reciting the Pledge. This
includes not standing and placing the right hand over the chest. (Section 1003.44, Florida Statute
and HB 529 (2021))
Public Health and Safety
In the interest of public health and safety, there may be a district addendum to the
Student Code of Conduct based on recommendations from national or state organizations.
Hotlines
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and National Helpline 1-800-662-4357
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
- National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for pre-K to 12th grade students for a variety of specific reasons.
The Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act states that children and youth who lack a
fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are considered homeless. http://www.fldoe.org/
policy/federal-edu-programs/title-x-homeless-edu-program-hep.stml
Florida Tax Credit Scholarship expands educational opportunities for children of families
that have limited financial resources and to enable children in this state to achieve a greater level of
excellence in their education. http://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/ftc/
The Family Empowerment Scholarship (Educational Opportunities and Students with Unique
Abilities) program provides an educational lifeline to students waiting for an opportunity to find the
school that will best work for them and puts more parents in the driver's seat to determine the best
educational environments for their children. http://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12-
scholarship-programs/fes/
Reading Scholarships Accounts are available for students in grades 3 through 5 who are
enrolled in a Florida public school and scored below a Level 3 on the grade 3 or grade 4 statewide,
standardized English Language Arts assessment in the prior school year.
http://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/reading/
Take Stock In Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida that
provides a unique opportunity for low-income and at-risk students, many from minority families, to escape
the cycle of poverty through education. We offer our students college scholarships, caring volunteer
mentors, and hope for a better life. https://leeschoolfoundation.org/take-stock-in-children/
The Ben Carson Scholarship program awards students who have embraced high levels of academic
excellence and community service with $1,000 college scholarships. https://carsonscholars.org/
The HOPE Scholarship is for students in grades kindergarten through 12 who are enrolled in a
Florida public school and have been bullied, harassed, assaulted, threatened and or other violent acts to
transfer to another public school or enroll in an approved private school. http://www.fldoe.org/
schools/school-choice/k-12-scholarship-programs/hope/
Internet Essentials brings affordable, high-speed Internet to your home so you can have
greater access to homework, job opportunities, healthcare and benefits, education resources and more.
https://www.internetessentials.com/
Teen Dating Violence and Abuse
It is the policy of The School District of Lee County that all students have an educational setting that is
safe, secure and free from dating violence or abuse of any kind, as stated in School
Board Policy
5517.03
Consistent with its intent and requirements, The School District of Lee County prohibits dating violence by
any student on school property, during any school-related or school-sponsored program or activity, or during
school sponsored-transportation (Section 1006.148, Florida Statutes)
Teen dating violence or abuse is defined as a pattern of emotional, verbal, sexual or physical abuse used by
one person in a current or past dating relationship to exert power and control over another when one or both
of the partners is a teenager. Abuse may include insults, coercion, social sabotage, sexual harassment,
stalking, threats and/or acts of physical or sexual abuse. The abusive partner uses this pattern of violent
and coercive behavior to gain power and maintain control over the dating partner. This may also include
abuse, harassment and stalking via electronic devices such as cell phones and computers, and harassment
through a third party, and may be physical, mental or both.
Reports of alleged acts of teen dating violence or abuse should be made to the principal or principal's
designee. All school employees are required to report alleged violations of this policy. If the reporter
suspects that the alleged violation of this policy constitutes a crime, the reporter will immediately report
the complaint to law enforcement. All members of the school community, including students, parents,
guardians, volunteers and visitors are encouraged to report any act that may be a violation of this policy.
A prompt investigation of any allegation will take place by the principal or principal's designee. If the
investigation concludes the allegation is founded, the perpetrator will incur consequences consistent with
the District's Code of Conduct for Students.
Instruction regarding dating violence and abuse will be provided for students in grades 7 through 12 as one
of the comprehensive health components. This instruction shall have an emphasis on prevention- based
education and include a teen dating violence and abuse component that includes but is not limited to the
definition of dating violence and abuse, the warning signs of dating violence and abusive behavior, the
characteristics of healthy relationships, measures to prevent and stop dating violence and abuse, and
community resources available to victims of dating violence or abuse (Section 1003.42, Florida
Statute).