5312.3, Smoking and Tobacco Products by Students

The Board of Education, recognizing health hazards associated with smoking, prohibits smoking or any other use of other tobacco or smoking-related products (e.g. chewing tobacco, electronic cigarettes, etc.), or their possession, on school premises.

For the purpose of this policy, school premises shall mean any building, structure and surrounding grounds, including entrances and exits, contained within the District’s legally defined property boundaries, as well as all areas within one hundred feet of the entrances, exits, or outdoor areas of any district school (excluding private residences or the real property of such residences) and district owned or contracted vehicles used to transport students or school personnel.

First Violation

1. up to 3-day external suspension;
2. Reinstatement conference with student, parent(s) and student assistance counselor, Hall Principal, and guidance counselor;
3. Mandatory one-hour instruction session, with student assistance counselor to discuss the harmful effects of using tobacco; and
4. Recommend counseling sessions with student assistance counselor. 

Second Violation (same school year)

1. up to 5-day external suspension;
2. Reinstatement conference with student, parent(s), Building Principal/hall Principal, guidance counselor, and student assistance counselor;
3. Probation – conditions set by Building Principal; and
4. Mandatory weekly counseling sessions with student assistance counselor.

Third Violation (same school year) OR Violation of Probation Conditions

Potential disciplinary hearing before the Superintendent.

Cross-ref: 1530, Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products
9330, Smoking and Use of Tobacco Products by Students

Ref: The Pro-Children Act of 1994, 20 U.S.C. §6081 et seq.
Public Health Law Article 13-E §§1399-n et seq.

Note: Replaces prior policy, 5131.8(b)

Policy Adopted: November 10, 1960
Amended: November 25, 1985
Amended: June 22, 1987
Amended: July 11, 1988
Amended: February 27, 1989
Amended: April 25, 1994
Amended: August 22, 1994
Amended: January 26, 1998
Amended: January 23, 2006
Amended: June 29, 2015