A. Extra-Curricular Drug and Alcohol Policy:
From the earliest fall meeting date (second week in September), to the conclusion of the academic year or final extra-curricular event (whichever is latest), on and off school grounds, weekdays and weekends, twenty-four hours per day, a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use or consume, possess, buy/sell or give away any beverage containing alcohol (including products such as NA or near beer); any tobacco product; marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance as defined in the Massachusetts General Laws (Chapter 94-C, Sections 1-48). (NOTE: It is not, however, a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by his or her doctor outside of the regular school day.) It should be clearly understood that any gross violation of this rule, e.g., being drunk and/or disorderly, could result in immediate dismissal from said elected position.
NOTE: Possession of alcoholic beverages on school property will be referred to the Weston Police Department for prosecution for violation of Massachusetts State Statutes (Chapter 272, Sec. 4A). Possession of any controlled substances on school property will result in criminal prosecution for violation of Massachusetts State Laws.
The minimum PENALTIES are:
First offense: Suspension from representing the school for the next consecutive extra-curricular event totaling 25% of all extra-curricular events for said group, or a reasonable equivalent to be determined by the High School Administration. Students will be required to attend all planning and club/council meetings during that time. During this time frame, the student may not represent the school in any school-wide or public event.
Second and subsequent offenses: Suspension from representing the school for the next consecutive extra-curricular event totaling 60% of all extra-curricular events for said group or a reasonable equivalent to be determined by the High School Administration.
Penalties shall be cumulative each academic year, and a penalty period will extend into the next academic year. That is, if the violation occurs outside an elected term or if the penalty period is not completed during the year of violation, the penalty will carry over to the student’s next year of actual participation, which may affect the eligibility status of the student during the next academic year. The High School Administration reserves the right to determine when a penalty will be enacted.
POSSESSION OF, USE OF, OR BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE WHILE REPRESENTING WESTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS AT FUNCTIONS, MEETINGS, ASSEMBLIES, OVERNIGHT TRIPS, ETC. WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL FROM ELECTED POSITION.
B. Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Anti-Hazing Law
Chapter 269: Section 17. Hazing; organizing or participating; hazing defined
Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment.
The term “hazing” as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.
Chapter 269: Section 18. Failure to report hazing
Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars.
Chapter 269: Section 19. Copy of Secs. 17 to 19; issuance to students and student groups, teams and organizations; report
Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of post secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided, however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations.
Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such group, team or organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver to each person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the board of higher education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or similar means of communicating the institution’s policies to its students. The board of higher education and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports, and shall forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such report.
C. Weston High School National Honor Society Procedures for Dismissal
National Honor Society membership is not guaranteed. After membership has been conferred, the society’s assumption is that the students will uphold the standards initially expressed in the expectations of the Information Form and with induction into the group. As cited by the National Honor Society and by the Weston High School standards, procedures for dismissal occur when one or more of the following events are not upheld.
Academic: National Honor Society members must maintain a weighted or unweighted GPA of 3.70. Student’s GPAs are reviewed quarterly. If a student does not meet the standard, a hearing for dismissal from the group will be scheduled. There is one exception to this: As induction takes place partway through third quarter, students inducted in their junior year will be placed on probation for one quarter if s/he does not meet the GPA standard at the end of Quarter 3. If the student does not meet the standard when final GPAs are reviewed at the end of junior year, a hearing for dismissal from the group will be scheduled. This exception does not apply to first time inductees in their senior year. If a student is dismissed from the National Honor Society, any institution previously notified of a student’s membership in the group will be notified of their dismissal.
Community Service: National Honor Society members must complete 10 hours of community service each semester (5 hours within NHS and 5 hours outside of NHS). Community service hours used to satisfy the National Honor Society requirement cannot be used for Community Service for Credit on your report card/transcript or toward a community service award. Hours of community service may only be signed off on by the onsite supervisor, parents may not sign community service forms. Community service is reviewed each semester. If the student fails to fulfill the service requirement, a hearing for dismissal from the group will be scheduled. If a student is dismissed from the National Honor Society, any institution previously notified of a student’s membership in the group will be notified of their dismissal.
Character: National Honor Society members must uphold the six “Pillars of Character” (respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship) in addition to Weston’s core values (engagement, integrity, resiliency, and responsibility). Violations of this standard are reviewed on a quarterly basis or as needed. Violations of this standard include but are not limited to infractions of the expectations put forth in the WHS Student/Parent Handbook and the MIAA Substance Abuse Policies. Infractions of this nature are considered flagrant violations of school rules. If the student fails to meet the character requirement, a hearing for dismissal from the group will be scheduled. If a student is dismissed from the National Honor Society, any institution previously notified of a student’s membership in the group will be notified of their dismissal.
Membership: The requirement for membership in the group is continued participation in the group’s scheduled meetings. Upon induction, it is expected that members will come to all scheduled meetings. If a student misses more than one meeting without explanation, a hearing for dismissal from the group will be scheduled. If a student is dismissed from the National Honor Society, any institution previously notified of a student’s membership in the group will be notified of their dismissal.
D. WHS Event Protocols
1. All school rules apply.
2. Faculty advisors are the designated administrators in charge. (If further support/clarification is needed, call Director of Student Activities Adam Atherton, Assistant Principal Kelly Flynn, or Principal Anthony Parker).
3. Inappropriate physical conduct will not be tolerated. Students are expected to comply with in a courteous and respectful manner, with any reasonable request from any member of the school staff.
4. All students are subject to search. If a student objects to being searched, he/she will not attend the event.
5. No bags will be allowed into events. (Bags must be stored in a separate area not accessible to students during the event or in an area under the direct supervision of the chaperones.)
6. No outside food or beverages will be allowed into events.
7. If a student attempting to enter an event or attending an event is suspected of being under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, the parent or guardian will be called to take him/her home. The police officer on duty should be present as the student is questioned. A breathalyzer should be used, if possible.
8. If a student is confirmed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol (admission, smell, etc.), parents will be notified to take student home and disciplinary actions will follow. The police officer on duty should be present as the student is questioned. A breathalyzer should be used, if possible.
9. If the faculty advisors suspect/confirm that many students are under the influence, the event will be shut down. Parents of suspected students will be called. All other students will be sent home. Any required disciplinary action will be taken on the next school day.
10. School sponsored events are a privilege, not a right. Any students who objects or refuses to comply with the above stated rules will be dismissed from said event.
E. Dance Contract
Each year WHS students are required to fill out this contract
F. Guest Approval
All guests attending a Weston High School function must be of High School age. No Middle School or College Students will be admitted. See the Assistant Principal for the required form.
G. Food Policies
School Responsibility
• Annual Bus Driver Training about food allergies, symptoms of an allergic reaction and administration of Epi-Pen
• Staff education by the school nurse about food allergies, including recognition of allergic reaction symptoms and how to administer an Epi-Pen
• Prevention plan developed by school nurse with parent/guardian that accommodates child’s needs throughout the school day, including classrooms, cafeteria and school bus. Develop Emergency Food Allergy Action Plan
• Plan shared, as appropriate, with teachers and support staff
• No peanut butter or nut sales in the school cafeterias
• No food in classrooms or unwrapped food in the halls
• Bake sales or any sale of competitive food and beverages are not allowed during the school day and the 30 minute period directly prior to and following the school day
• Food is permitted in designated areas (offices, conference rooms, Media Center, Family/Consumer Science room) provided surfaces are cleaned after use and hands washed before returning to classrooms
Student Responsibility
• Do not trade food with others
• Do not eat anything with unknown ingredients or known to contain allergen(s)
• Be prepared to advocate for yourself, describe your allergies and identify key foods containing allergens; dependent on developmental level
• Notify an adult if they eat something they believe may contain food to which they are allergic
• If carrying own Epi-Pen and emergency supplies, be sure they are properly labeled, secure and not shared with others. Be able to direct an adult to their location if needed
H. Police Presence
Police presence is required for any event held in town at which 30 or more students are expected to attend. A faculty advisor must arrange police two weeks in advance. Cost will be dictated by Weston Police Department. Contact information is as follows:
(781) 893 4803 Office Line
(781) 893- 6787 Fax
Mailing Address:
180 Boston Post Rd By-Pass
Weston, MA 02493
