Activities Chemical Procedure

Activity Chemical Procedure

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The Grand Island Senior High School administration, coaches, and sponsors hold the students involved in activities to a higher standard, as they represent not only themselves, but their school and community, as well. GISH expects all athletes and activity participants to be drug and alcohol free, and to understand that it is a privilege, not a right, to be involved in high school activities. The following applies to all GISH activity participants.

A. Philosophy and Purpose

A lifestyle free from the influence of drugs and alcohol is a responsible and healthy choice. Decisions related to this issue are extremely important and do have a direct correlation with student success. Students, parents, and the school all share responsibilities in the development of these important student choices. Grand Island Senior High will continue to endorse and support a lifestyle for students that are free from the influence of alcohol and drugs. However, when students choose to use drugs, tobacco, or alcohol, their levels of performance are diminished. Therefore, rules, consequences, and a program of education and support, encouraging a Chemical-free lifestyle is offered.

B. Specific Rule

The student shall not be involved with alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs. During the school year, or in the summer whenever a student is representing GISH at an activity, a student shall not, regardless of quantity, use, consume, or have in their possession, alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances (with exceptions as outlined by State Statute 53-168.06 and 53-180.02). Students shall not buy, sell, or give away any Beverage containing alcohol, tobacco product, controlled substances, or look-alikes.


1. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of and to use a controlled substance specifically prescribed for the student by his or her doctor.

2. Consequences shall be accumulative grades 7-12 regardless of attendance center.

3. Methods for verification of rule violation:

a. Ticketed by the police for tobacco/alcohol/drug-related offense

b. Admission by the student involved

c. Violation witnessed by school personnel

d. Other overwhelming evidence that the rule violation took place


C. Procedure Prior to Suspension

In the event that a student is to be suspended from an activity, pursuant to the established rule, the following action shall be initiated:

1. The student shall be notified of the action.

2. Parents of the student shall also be notified.

3. During the meeting, school officials will summarize details related to the incident and then advise the student and parent of the action that will be taken. The student shall have an opportunity to present information related to the incident. The student and parent shall also be afforded full opportunity to make any statements or request explanations related to the incident.

4. The building principal shall issue a decision related to suspension. The decision is final and binding on all parties unless appealed to the Superintendent of Schools.

D. Consequences for Violations of the Rule

After confirmation of the violation, in addition to established state statutes and local school policies, the student shall be suspended from all school activities for a specified number of calendar days starting from the date of confirmation. Those students involved in a school sponsored activity will be required to attend and participate in all practice sessions during the time of suspension. They may also be required to attend their scheduled activity.


1. Consequences for violations are as follows:

a. First Violation. - Fourteen (14) days suspension from school activities. In addition, the student will be required to attend and complete an educational program endorsed by the school. The school may require the student to participate in a professional evaluation.

b. Second Violation. - Twenty-eight (28) days suspension from school activities. In addition, the student will be required to show evidence that he or she has sought and received counseling from a professional individual (i.e. school alcohol drug counselor, medical doctor, professional alcohol drug counselor, psychiatrist,  psychologist, etc.). The school may require the student to participate in a professional evaluation.
 
c. Third Violation or Subsequent Violation. - Suspension from school activities for one year. In addition, the student will be required to complete a professional evaluation and program for chemical dependency. Verification of completion of the chemical dependency treatment program must be provided in writing by the director or counselor of the dependency center prior to reinstatement of the student.

2. Consequences for tobacco violations are as follows:

a. First Violation - Seven-day (7) suspension from school activities. In addition, the student will be required to complete the GISH In House Educational Tobacco Packet.

b. Second Violation - Fourteen-day (14) suspension from school activities.

c. Third Violation - Twenty-eight-day (28) suspension from school activities.

d. Fourth Violation - Suspension from school activities for one year.

E. Student "Self-Report" Option

If the student "self-reports" to the coach, supervisor, or principal within three (3) school days of the rule violation, the suspension will be reduced to seven (7) days for the first violation and fourteen (14) days for the second violation.

F. Appeal Process

After a ruling of ineligibility resulting in suspension from activities has been made, a student and a student's parents may formally appeal the decision, in writing, to the Superintendent of Schools, provided an appeal is received five (5) days from the first day such ineligibility shall take effect.

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