By Tim Leeds
The Rocky Boy Public Schools Board of Trustees will act on the third and final reading of revisions to its Tobacco-Free Policy at its meeting Tuesday, May 9.
The revised policy states that the campus of District 87J&L will be tobacco free at all times, including when school is not in session and at events and activities not sponsored by or associated with the school. The campus is defined as areas including the Head Start, elementary, junior high and high school, lawns, entry ways, bus garages, parking lots and playgrounds.
Possession or use of tobacco by students on district property, in district vehicles and at school-sponsored events is prohibited by the policy.
The prohibition extends to school employees on campus and in district vehicles. It also prohibits tobacco advertisements in school buildings, on school property and in school publications, including clothing that advertises tobacco products.
The policy restricts smoking by visitors to one designated area on the campus.
Tobacco prevention education will be incorporated into the district's health education curriculum. Teachers who will instruct students in these curricula will be trained to provide the most effective delivery of them.
The policy states that the board recognizes that traditional tobacco is a sacred substance when used appropriately in small amounts for prayers, ceremonies and rituals, and that the schools can use Native American Traditional Tobacco for these purposes. It states that it should only be used for these purposes, not for everyday smoking or recreational purposes.
The board approved a second reading of the revised policy at its April 11 meeting.
