Alcohol and drug abuse is a problem in our modern society.  It is a concern to the community as it is in all communities.  The Board of Education recognizes a shared responsibility with the entire community to address this issue.  The Board recognizes that chemical dependency is an illness which must be treated.  The Board also acknowledges a dual responsibility of disciplining users and offering help to those who need it.  The Board is committed to providing the students, staff, and community with the most accurate unbiased education and prevention information available.

Teaching About Drugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco.

The policy of the Board of Education of the Franklin Local School District governing drug education shall be based on the philosophy that drug abuse includes any physical or mental state resulting from the use of a drug for any purpose other than its medically prescribed use, and that this mental and/or physical effect precludes realization of the educational potential of the individual.  The objectives of the drug education curriculum are rooted in the Board’s belief that prevention requires education and that the most important aspect of the policies and guidelines of the District should be the education of each individual student to the dangers of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use.  The Superintendent shall be responsible to establish and periodically review the District’s guidelines for staff members in conducting drug education and dealing with drug abuse.  These shall be in line with the recommendations of the Ohio Department of Education.

Objectives of Drug Education Curriculum

A.       To create an awareness of the total drug problem – prevention; education; treatment; rehabilitation; and law enforcement on the local, state, national, and international levels.

B.       To inform the students of the effect on the body of narcotics, sedatives, hallucinogens, and stimulants through the gym, science, and social studies classes.

C.       To relate the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco to physical, mental, social, and emotional practices.

D.       To encourage the individual to adopt an appropriate attitude toward pain, stress, and discomfort.

E.       To develop the student’s ability to make intelligent choices based on facts and to develop the courage to stand by one’s own convictions.

F.       To understand the need for seeking professional advice in dealing with problems related to physical and mental health.

G.       To understand the personal, social, and economic problems causing the misuse of drugs and alcohol.

H.       To develop an interest in preventing illegal use of drugs in the community.

The Board and the professional staff will continue to seek ways to effectively educate students about the dangers associated with the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.