TOBACCO-FREE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
SAMPLE POLICY: TCP MINIMUM STANDARD

RATIONAL

The [SCHOOL NAME] recognizes its responsibility to promote the health, welfare and safety of students, staff and others on school property and at school-sponsored activities. In light of scientific evidence that the use of tobacco is hazardous to health, and to be consistent with school curriculum and federal and state law, it is the intent of the [SCHOOL NAME] to establish a tobacco-free environment.

DEFINITIONS
Tobacco: means any cigarette, cigar, pipe, bidi, clove cigarette, and any other smoking product; as well as spit tobacco, also known as smokeless, dip, chew, and snuff, and any other spit tobacco product in any form. School Property: means any building, structure or vehicle owned, leased, or contracted by the [SCHOOL NAME] School Grounds: means property surrounding buildings and structures, athletic grounds, parking lots, or any other outdoor property owned, leased, or contracted by the [SCHOOL NAME].

TOBACCO USE PROHIBITED

No person is permitted to use tobacco in any way at any time, including non-school hours, on school property or grounds. Tobacco use is prohibited by students and staff at any school-sponsored event or activity off campus.

TOBACCO EDUCATION

Instruction to discourage the misuse of tobacco shall be included in the health education provided for all elementary school pupils taught by the classroom teacher or by teachers certified to teach health education. Instruction shall also be an integral part of a required health education at the junior and senior high levels and taught by teachers certified to teach health education. Related courses in secondary school curriculum shall be taught in a manner supportive of health education regarding tobacco. Staff responsible for teaching tobacco-use prevention shall have adequate training and participate in ongoing professional development activities to effectively deliver the education program as planned.

TOBACCO DISTRIBUTION

Distribution or sale of tobacco, including any smoking device is prohibited on school property, grounds, and at any school-sponsored event.

TOBACCO PROMOTION

Tobacco advertising is prohibited on school property, grounds, and at any school-sponsored event.

TOBACCO CESSATION

Referrals and access to community resources and programs to help students and staff overcome tobacco addiction shall be provided to staff and students.

NOTICE Signs communicating this policy shall be prominently posted and properly maintained where tobacco use and smoking are regulated by this policy. Signs shall include “No Smoking” or the international “No Smoking” symbol, which consists of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a circle with a bar across it.

ENFORCEMENT

Enforcement of this policy shall be equitable and consistent in accordance with the Tobacco-Free School Policy Enforcement Procedures, student behavior code, and employee personnel policies. Student violations of this policy will lead to disciplinary action up to and including suspension from school. Student participation in a tobacco cessation program and/or tobacco education class may be allowed as an alternative to discipline. Parents will be notified of violations involving their child and subsequent action taken by the school. Employee violations of this policy will lead to disciplinary action in accordance with personnel policies and may include verbal warning and/or written reprimand. Violations by others will result in appropriate sanctions as determined and imposed by the Superintendent or Board.

ADMINISTRATIVE RULES

The superintendent will develop administrative regulations as necessary to implement this policy, including provisions for notification of the school’s policy; disciplinary consequences; and procedures for filing and handling complaints about violations of the school’s policy.

Legal References