ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION - 5131.6

Districtwide substance abuse education programs, to be developed in conjunction with guidelines approved by the State Board of Education, shall be offered as a comprehensive programs of experiences designed to meet the needs of individual students.

Prevention and Intervention

Prevention and intervention programs and activities may include, but are not limited to: (20 USC 7118)

1. Evidence-based drug and violence prevention activities and programs that educate students against the use of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, smokeless tobacco products, and electronic cigarettes

2. Professional development and training for school staff, specialized instructional support personnel, and interested community members on drug prevention, education, early identification, intervention mentoring, recovery support services, and, where appropriate, rehabilitation referral

3. School-based mental health services, including early identification of drug use and referrals to counseling services, and/or partnerships with public or private health care entities that have qualified mental and behavioral health professionals

4. Programs and activities that provide mentoring and school counseling to all students, including students who are at risk of drug use and abuse

District staff shall intervene whenever students use alcohol or other illegal drugs while on school property or under school jurisdiction. Staff members who have a reasonable suspicion that a student may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall immediately notify the principal or designee.

If the principal or designee, in their professional capacity or in the course of their employment, knows, observes or suspects that a student may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they may notify the parent/guardian.

School staff shall not disclose confidential information provided during counseling by a student 12 years of age or older. A school counselor may report such information to the principal or parent/guardian only when they believe that disclosure is necessary to avert a clear and present danger to the health, safety or welfare of the student or other persons living in the school community. The school counselor shall not disclose such information to the parent/guardian if they believe that the disclosure would result in a clear and present danger to the student's health, safety or welfare.

Instruction

The District shall provide science-based preventative instruction which has been proven effective in helping students avoid the use of alcohol and other drugs.

All instruction and related materials shall consistently state that unlawful use of alcohol or other drugs is prohibited. Instruction shall not include any message on responsible use of drugs or alcohol when such use is illegal. (Health and Safety Code 11999.2)

Instruction on the nature and effects of alcohol shall include information about excessive alcohol use and the short and long-term health risks of excessive alcohol use, including information about excessive drinking, the immediate effects of alcohol that increase the risks of harmful health conditions, and how excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems, including alcohol-related deaths and mental health problems. Secondary school instruction shall also include a study of the effects of alcohol and other drugs upon prenatal development.

The District shall offer staff development activities for staff who implement the comprehensive drug and alcohol prevention and intervention program.

Students in grades 7-12 shall receive a lesson on the effects of steroids as part of their health, physical education, or drug education program.

Additionally, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, courses in health education required for graduation from high school shall include instruction on the dangers associated with fentanyl use in accordance with Education Code 51225.38.

The Superintendent or designee shall inform school staff, students, and parents/guardians about early warning signs which may indicate alcohol and other drug use and about appropriate agencies offering intervention programs, counseling, referral, and other student assistance programs.

The Board strongly encourages any student who is using alcohol or drugs to discuss the matter with their parent/guardian or with any staff member. Students who disclose their use of alcohol or other drugs when seeking help from an intervention or recovery program shall not be disciplined for such use.

PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT SUBSTANCES

The Irvine Unified School District encourages student behaviors and practices that promote and maintain good physical health.

School personnel, including coaches, shall not sell, distribute, or promote to students performance-enhancing dietary supplements, including those that promote muscle-building.

Coaches shall educate students about the District's prohibition and the dangers of using steroids and other performance-enhancing supplements, as defined by the NCAA.

Before participating in interscholastic athletics, a student athlete and their parent/guardian shall sign an agreement that the student athlete pledges not to use androgenic/anabolic steroids and dietary supplements banned by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency and the substance synephrine, unless the student has a written prescription from a licensed health care practitioner to treat a medical condition.

The principal or designee shall ensure that the following warning, reproduced in at least 10-point bold type, shall be posted in every locker room of schools with classes in grades 7-12 and shall be contained in any contracts for the lease or rental of the school's athletic facilities (Civil Code 1812.97):

Warning: Use of steroids to increase strength or growth can cause serious health problems. Steroids can keep teenagers from growing to their full height; they can also cause heart disease, stroke, and damage liver function. Students using steroids may develop fertility problems, personality changes, and acne. Men can also experience premature balding and development of breast tissue. These health hazards are in addition to the civil and criminal penalties for unauthorized sale, use, or exchange of anabolic steroids.

PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS INVOLVED IN ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

It is the intent of the Irvine Unified School District to provide a safe, alcohol and drug free environment for all students. Acts for which students may be disciplined by school officials may occur on school property, or while going to or from school, or while engaged in or attending a school activity.

District staff shall intervene whenever students use alcohol or other illegal substances while on school grounds or under school jurisdiction. Staff members who have a reasonable suspicion that a student may be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, intoxicants of any kind, or any other controlled substance shall immediately notify the principal or designee.

Alcohol, Cannabis, and Other Controlled Substances

The provisions of this section shall apply to alcohol and other drug use violations including, but not limited to, using, possessing, distributing, manufacturing, or being under the influence of a controlled substance or any intoxicant.

First Violation (Other than Selling, Distributing or Manufacturing)

A. Disciplinary Action: The first violation for using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, an intoxicant, or any other controlled substance may result in: suspension from school, referral to the Alternative to Suspension (ATS) program, and participation in an online alcohol and drug intervention program or other drug and alcohol intervention, including Brief Intervention or a referral to the Juvenile Alcohol and Drug Education (JADE) program.

B. Police Report: The principal or principal's designee shall follow all applicable state and federal laws with respect to reporting requirements for alcohol, drugs, intoxicants, or other controlled substances on school campuses or school related activities. In instances where material is found that is suspected of being a controlled substance, it shall be turned over to law enforcement officials.

C. Parent Notification: The principal or principal's designee shall notify the student's parent or guardian of a) the suspension, b) the guidelines for the online drug and alcohol education course, and request parent participation and c) the fact that the student may have the opportunity to make up their work.

Second Violation (Other than Selling, Distributing or Manufacturing)

A. Disciplinary Action: The second and any subsequent violation for using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or any other controlled substances, shall result in progressive disciplinary consequences and/or interventions to change student behaviors that are considered at-risk, including a home suspension, suspension from all school activities (athletic teams, performing arts events, clubs, and all other school sponsored activities) for the remainder of the school year, and the possibility of recommendation for expulsion.

C. Parent Notification: The principal or principal’s designee shall notify the student’s parent or guardian of the suspension and all applicable recommended interventions and progressive disciplinary consequences, including the possibility of recommendation for expulsion.

Violation Involving Selling or Distributing of Alcohol, Cannabis, or any Other

Controlled Substance

A. Disciplinary Action: A violation involving selling or distributing a controlled substance shall result in suspension from school for five days, and a recommendation for expulsion by the principal.

C. Parent Notification: The principal or principal’s designee shall notify the student’s parent or guardian of the suspension and all applicable interventions.

Performance Enhancement Substances

The Irvine Unified School District places high value on student behaviors and practices that promote and maintain good physical health.

School personnel, including coaches, shall not sell, distribute, or promote to students performance-enhancing dietary supplements, including those that promote muscle-building.

Coaches shall educate students about the District's prohibition and the dangers of using steroids and other performance-enhancing supplements, as defined by the NCAA.

Before participating in interscholastic athletics, a student athlete and their parent/guardian shall sign an agreement that the student athlete shall not use steroids, unless the student has a written prescription from a physician fully licensed in the State of California, and recognized by the American Medical Association, to treat a medical condition.

Definitions

1. "Controlled substance" shall be defined as including anabolic steroids, imitation controlled substances including non alcoholic beer, cannabis, intoxicants including alcohol and inhalants, any prescription, nonprescription drug not authorized as medication, or any controlled substance listed in Chapter 2 commencing with Section 11053 of Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code.

2. "Distributing or Provision" shall be deemed to include giving, trading, or selling or intending or attempting to do so.

3. "Inhalants" shall be defined as chemicals such as solvents, aerosol sprays, and nitrites that, when breathed, produce psychoactive effects.

4. "Paraphernalia" refers to equipment associated with the use or sale of controlled substances including, but not limited to, balances scales, bongs, needles, etc.

5. "Imitation controlled substance" shall be defined as any substance, including nonalcoholic beer, that, by dosage-unit appearance, including color shape, size, and markings, or by representations made, would lead a reasonable person to believe that the substance is a controlled substance.

Legal Reference:

Education Code

44049 Known or suspected alcohol or drug abuse by student

48900 Suspension or expulsion (grounds)

48900.5 Suspension, limitation or imposition; exception

48901 Smoking and possession of tobacco on school premises

48909 Narcotics or other hallucinogenic drugs

49423 Administration of prescribed medication

49480 Notice to school by parent or guardian; consultation with physician

49602 Confidentiality of pupil information

51203 Instruction on alcohol, narcotics, and restricted dangerous drugs

51225.38 Health education course; dangers of fentanyl use

51260-51269 Drug Education

51262 Use of Anabolic Steroids

Civil Code

1812.98 Performance Enhancement Substance Warning Statement

Health and Safety Code

110423.2 Dietary Supplements

11357 Marijuana possession fines and punishment; one ounce distinction

11361.5 Records of arrest or conviction; timely destruction of; hearings to order; methods of destruction; official consequences of marijuana arrests to terminate with records thereof

California Interscholastic Foundation Bylaw 524

Revised: November 1998
Revised: October 2005
Revised: October 16, 2018
Revised: July 15, 2025

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION - 5131.6

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