Extracurricular Activities

The Board is committed to the belief that extracurricular activities are a part of the learning process and that participation in athletics, cheerleading, majorettes, flag corps, performing bands, co- curricular activities, and performing groups of the JROTC requires responsibility on the part of the student to maintain certain academic standards. Therefore, it is the policy of the Board that all students participating in the above noted extracurricular activities shall meet the eligibility requirements as set forth in the Handbook of the Alabama High School Athletic Association.

 

Parents /guardians of students participating in the above activities will be required to sign a release form and present a copy of proof of health insurance.

 

Practical experience and research have proven that even small quantities of narcotics, alcohol, or abused prescription drugs can impair judgment and reflexes, which can create unsafe conditions for students. Even when not readily apparent, this impairment can have serious results for students engaged in activities. Drug-using extracurricular activity students are a threat to co- participants, other students, and themselves, and may make injurious errors. The use of drugs, alcohol, and any prohibited substances by a student is illegal. For these reasons, the Athens City Board of Education has adopted a policy that all extracurricular activity students must remain substance free. The drug and alcohol screening procedures provided for herein will deter the use of drugs, alcohol, and other prohibited substances by students engaged in extracurricular activities. Furthermore, these procedures are intended (i) to create and maintain a safe, drug-free environment for all extracurricular activity students, (ii) to encourage any extracurricular activity students with a dependence on, or addiction to drugs to seek help in overcoming the problem, (iii) to reduce the likelihood of incidents of accidental personal injury and/or damage to students or property, (iv) to minimize the likelihood that school property will be used for illicit drug activities, (v) to protect the reputation of the school system and its students, and (vi) to deter drug use among students.

 

School-sponsored clubs and organizations shall be under the direct control of school officials. Such clubs and organizations shall not be affiliated or associated with any political or religious organization or any organization that denies membership on the basis of race, creed, color, or political beliefs. All school-sponsored clubs and organizations shall be sponsored by a member of the faculty approved by the school’s principal and shall have a constitution approved by the Student Council or by the school’s principal. New clubs can only gain approval per school principal in accordance with board policy. Each principal will provide a list of all school sponsored clubs, its constitution, and the selection/induction process to be posted on the school system website prior to the beginning of each school year.

 

Local schools may permit student publications, provided the school principal approves the publication and acts as the editor and chief. A certified staff member shall serve as advisor and consultant to all students in the participation of all student publications.