CANTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

4 Market Street, Collinsville, CT 06019

Tel. (860) 693-7704 Fax (860) 693-7706
www.cantonschools.org

Kevin D. Case

Superintendent of Schools

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