Partnering to Protect

Darlington School’s Prevention Planning Committee – comprised of parents, faculty members and trustees – has crafted a new Substance Abuse Policy, with input from students, that upholds our high standards while also balancing support for those in need.  This policy reflects our shared commitment to educating and developing greatness in each student, and I am excited about this step in ensuring the safety of the young people in our community. 

We have already done much to educate students about this policy and will continue to infuse it into the culture of our school. However, partnering with parents, guardians and our extended Darlington family also is critical. We need your help in reinforcing your student’s understanding of this policy and its implications.

Here, I would like to clarify two key components of our Substance Abuse Policy:  the “health track” and the “disciplinary track.”  Our policy offers education and help first.  If a student comes forward to a faculty member, admits to substance use and requests help, he or she will be placed on a health track.  This allows the student to seek and receive assistance without fear of public disciplinary action.  Mandatory counseling, random drug testing and a no-use contract will be put into place instead of disciplinary action, as outlined in the Student Handbook.  The health track is a one-time offer for students who have struggled with unhealthy choices and want to make a positive change.  The path of education, counseling, growth and redemption reflects our commitment to “service beyond self.” In short, this policy reflects our mission and the very best in our culture. 

Nevertheless, in preserving the quality of the Darlington experience and its high standards we must stand ready to make tough disciplinary decisions.  A student will be placed on the disciplinary track if one of two things happens.  First, if he or she has been placed on a health track intervention for a previous infraction and has another substance violation.  He or she will then be placed on the disciplinary track and should expect to be dismissed. 

The second would occur when the school receives information indicating a possible substance infraction and an investigation confirms that a violation has occurred.   If Darlington suspects a student has used illegal or harmful substances, he or she will be asked to take a drug test.  If the student admits that the results will indicate the presence of drugs, this does not constitute coming forward asking for help so he or she will not have the opportunity to move into the health track.  The school will have initiated the investigation and the confession will have been prompted, thereby nullifying the opportunity to “come forward” in the true spirit of seeking help. 

Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to reinforce this new policy.  Its success will be celebrated largely behind the scenes – every time a student makes a healthy choice, resists temptation or seeks help.  Please contact me with any questions or concerns.