Students > Student Handbook > Discipline Information > Tobacco Use Policy

The Board recognizes that use of tobacco by students presents a health and safety hazard, which can have serious consequences for both users and non-users.

For purposes of this policy, tobacco shall be defined as a lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar and pipe; other lighted smoking products; and smokeless tobacco in any form.

The Board prohibits students from possessing and/or using tobacco at any time in a school building, a school bus, and on school property owned by, leased by, or under the control of the school or at school sponsored activities. Students are prohibited from smoking on their way to and from school (portal-to-portal enforcement). Therefore, if a staff member, while on school property, observes a student in possession of or using tobacco while en route to or from school, he/she will report the smoking offense as if it took place on school grounds.

The school district shall initiate prosecution of a student who violates the tobacco use policy.

A student convicted of possessing or using tobacco in a school building, on a school bus, or on school owned property shall be fined up to $115 plus court costs or admitted to alternative adjudication per Pennsylvania Criminal Code Act 145 which states, “A pupil (ages 6-21) who possesses or uses tobacco in a school building, a school bus or on school property owned by, leased by or under the control of the school district committee is a summary offense.

A pupil who commits an offense under this section shall be subject to prosecution initiated by the local school district and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $115 for the benefit of the school district in which such offending pupil resides and to pay court costs.” The courts may admit the offender to an adjudication alternative program in lieu of imposing a fine.

Tobacco Policy Violation:

• First Offense:
  • The student will be assigned a Saturday detention.
  • Prosecution will be initiated for violation of Pennsylvania Criminal Code Act 145
  • The student's parents will be notified of impending penalties for further violation.
• Second Offense:
  • The student will be suspended for a one (1) day period.
  • Prosecution will be initiated for violation of Pennsylvania Criminal Code Act 145
• Third Offense:
  • The student will be suspended for a three (3) day period, and will be referred to the Superintendent of Schools for disciplinary action.
  • Prosecution will be initiated for violation of Pennsylvania Criminal Code Act 145
• Fourth Offense:
  • The student will be suspended five to ten (5-10) days, and parents will be notified of a formal hearing for possible expulsion.