CANTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 4 Market Street, Collinsville, CT 06019 Kevin D. Case Tel. (860) 693-7704 Fax (860) 693-7706 Superintendent of Schools www.cantonschools.org

Opening Minds -Transforming Lives

June 3, 2015

Dear Parents/Guardians:

I am writing you to inform you that trained narcotics detection dogs were brought into Canton Middle and

High Schools this morning in an effort to promote a safe and drug free environment for students. As per Board of Education policy 5145.122(a), the Board shall invite law enforcement agencies to search school

property with dogs trained for the purpose of detecting the presence of illegal substances or contraband,

including alcohol and/or drugs. The interior of the school building was searched. The students and staff

remained in classrooms while this search occurred. In accordance with Board of Education policy, no

individual student or staff member was searched. The sweep lasted 20 minutes while students were in

their second period class.

It is the policy of our school system to take positive action through education, parental involvement,

counseling, medical referral, and police referral in the handling of incidents in the schools involving the

possession, sale, and/or use of behavior affecting substances. The Board of Education, administration, and

staff are very concerned with the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs by students.

Concerns include:

The danger it poses to our young people academically, physically, and emotionally.

The potential for serious accidents.

The adverse effect it has on students involved in training regimens and performance-oriented activities.

The illegality of the act.

In the event that a student is found to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, he/she will be

suspended from school, may be referred to the appropriate treatment agency, and possibly considered for

expulsion per Board of Education policy 5131.6(a). In the cases of illegal activity of possessing and/or

distribution of drugs and/or alcohol, the student will be referred to law enforcement authorities.

Through the implementation of our health curriculum and classroom activities and through the use of

community support and resources, a strong and consistent administrative and faculty effort, along with

disciplinary and rehabilitative procedures, the Canton Public Schools works to educate, prevent, and

intervene in the use and abuse of alcohol and drug substances by the entire school population during and

beyond the school day. For example, Canton High School, in conjunction with Canton Community of

Concern/Youth Service Bureau sponsors the McCall Foundation, an organization that offers drug and

alcohol counseling to students. This program is offered in the school free of charge and is completely

confidential. The goal of the Canton Community of Concern/Youth Service Bureau, in partnership with

the Canton Board of Education, parents, students, and community members is to promote health, wellness

and good decision-making and to keep our youth healthy, safe, and substance-free. The following

programs have also been sponsored by this organization:

Canton Middle School Substance-Free Students

Canton High School Substance-Free Students

Canton High School Substance-Free Graduation Party

Substance Abuse Panel Discussion

Smoking Cessation Program

Amazing Hero Artist Program

Rachels Challenge

IMPACT Drinking and Driving Program

Research demonstrates the importance of talking with your children about the issues related to substance

abuse, as parents/guardians have more influence on their decisions before they begin to use alcohol,

tobacco, or other drugs. By working with you as partners, it is our hope that we can maintain a healthy,

safe, and substance-free school environment for our young adults.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Kevin D. Case

Superintendent of Schools