WILMINGTON, MA — At their meeting last week, the Wilmington School Committee discussed adopting a new policy (“Chemical Health Regulations for High School Students”) that would toughen penalties against Wilmington High students that were found to have used, consumed, possessed, bought, sold, or distributed any alcohol or drugs, and – in many cases – require them to complete a counseling or treatment program.
In addition to missing class due to potential suspension, students would not face more severe punishments outside of the classroom, in the form of losing eligibility in sports and extracurricular activities (e.g., drama club).
Superintendent Mary DeLai noted that two of the biggest changes that the policy would bring about include: (1) penalties now apply to students not just in athletics, but in any school extracurricular activity, and (2) there are now different levels of violations (first, second, and third), which are more stringent than those established by the MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association).
Under a first offense, a student would immediately lose eligibility in 25% of all games in his or her sport, or meetings/events in his or her school-sponsored extra-curricular activities, in which the student is participating in at the time of the infraction. Ineligibility can carry over from one school year to the next. To aid in the rehabilitation, students would be allowed to participate in practices, but would not be allowed to be in uniform and may not be allowed at games/competitions. First-time offenders may also be required to complete substance abuse counseling or treatment.
Under a second offense, a student would immediately lose eligibility in 50% of all games in his or her sport, or meetings/events in his or her school-sponsored extra-curricular activities, in which the student is participating in at the time of the infraction. Ineligibility can carry over from one school year to the next. Attendance at practice would still be allowed. Second-time offenders would be required to complete substance abuse counseling or treatment.
Under a third offense, a student would immediately lose eligibility in 100% of all games in his or her sport, or meetings/events in his or her school-sponsored extra-curricular activities, in which the student is participating in at the time of the infraction, for one entire calendar year. In eligibility can carry over from one school year to the next. Attendance at practice would be prohibited. Third-time offenders would be required to complete substance abuse counseling or treatment.
In all instances, if the penalty period is not completed during the season of violation, the penalty carries over to the student’s next season in that same sport/activity. (Example: A player is punished for consuming alcohol at a party near the end of their fall sport season. That student begins their punishment by being ineligible for a couple of games left in that fall season. The penalty for that student doesn’t continue with the first game of their winter or spring sport season, but picks up again at the start of their next fall sport season.)
DeLai told the Committee that the Wilmington Board of Health, Wilmington Substance Abuse Coalition and the Wilmington High Athletic Director have all endorsed the policy, which has also already been reviewed by the School Committee’s Policy Subcommittee.
Read the proposed policy HERE. If you have a question, comment, or concern about it, contact Superintendent Mary DeLai at mary.delai@wpsk12.com or 978-694-6000.
The Wilmington School Committee will take the matter up again at their Wednesday, February 10 meeting.
Watch the meeting, courtesy of Wilmington Community Television, below. The discussion on the new policy begins around 1:48:00 and lasts about 15 minutes. Note there appears to be approximately 2 minutes of dead air during the discussion.
—
—
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 