Page 12 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • February 6, 2013 Midland Park students who have been determined to pose a safety threat to staff or other students may be excluded from school “in crisis situations” pending appropriate mental health clearance under a policy being considered for adoption by the board of education. The policy will be up for final vote at the board’s Feb. 26 meeting. The proposed policy is intended to address mental Board considers policy to deal with students in crisis health related issues only and does not supersede the implementation of appropriate disciplinary action. Under the policy, the student’s exclusion would have no disciplinary consequence, and warranted disciplinary action would follow normal procedures. During any period of exclusion, students would be provided with appropriate home or other out- of-school On Jan. 16, a 16-year-old male resident of Midland Park was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. The juvenile was released into the custody of his mother, and will appear in Bergen County Family Court. Sergeant Noah Van Vliet, Officer Michael Canonico, and Officer Mark Berninger investigated. Officer Canonico arrested a 19-year-old Mahwah resident as the result of a motor vehicle stop on Jan. 19. In speaking with the driver, patrol detected an odor of marijuana emanating from within the motor vehicle. The driver was asked to give permission to have the vehicle searched, and the male signed the “consent to search” form. In conducting the search, the officers found drugs, drug paraphernalia, metal knuckles, and two knives. He was taken to headquarters for processing and was charged with possession of CDS paraphernalia and possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Summonses were issued for careless driv- Police Department Incident Report ing and for CDS in a motor vehicle. He was released to a friend, and is to appear in the Midland Park Municipal Court. Sergeant Noah Van Vliet and Officer Christopher Birch assisted in the investigation. Also on Jan. 19, Officer Kevin Van Dyk took a report from a Midland Park resident who stated fraudulent charges, amounting to $900, were made on his credit cards. The victim stated two accounts were opened by an unauthorized person or persons, and two names were added to his credit cards before they were cancelled. The case was referred to the detective bureau. On Jan. 24, a local business owner reported to Officer Thomas Bedoe he received a check from a female Hackensack resident which was returned from the bank for insufficient funds. The female made a purchase which amounted to $77. The incident was referred to the detective bureau. instruction in accordance with state law. The proposed policy provides the following examples (not exclusive) of crisis situations: • Actions creating an imminent danger to him/herself or others, e.g., suicidal or homicidal ideation(s) or attempt(s); • Verbalization(s) or other action(s) threatening the health, safety or well-being of him/herself, staff or other students or reflecting an intent or plan to harm him/herself or others or indicating that he/she may be at risk of causing harm to him/herself or others; or • Possession of object(s) or material(s) posing a threat to the health, safety or well-being of him/herself, staff or other students. In case of a crisis situation, staff members shall immediately notify the school principal, or his/her designee, who shall immediately notify the Crisis Intervention Team; the superintendent of schools; and the student’s parent or legal guardian. The Crisis Intervention Team consists of the principal and vice-principal, guidance counselor, school psychologist, student assistance coordinator and/or social worker, The proposed policy provides that in response to every report, the Crisis Intervention Team shall conduct a student interview to assess whether or not the student presents a potential danger to him/herself or others, and to determine whether or not the student requires a mental health assessment prior to reinstatement. Provisions shall be made for the appropriate care and supervision of the student pending either a determination by the Crisis Intervention Team that the student’s exclusion is not required; or the student’s release to his or her parent/guardian. If the team determines that a mental health assessment is required prior to reinstatement, the student’s parent/guardian will be notified. The assessment must be completed by a licensed or certified mental health professional (e.g., psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker or psychiatric nurse). Assessments completed by evaluators selected by the school district shall be at the expense of the school district, with parents paying the cost of an evaluator of their own choosing. The evaluator will then have to issue a clearance letter containing a specific statement that the student does not present a danger to him/herself or others before the student may return to school. Re-entry to school will be permitted only following a re-entry meeting with the child and his/her parents/guardian and an appropriate school district designee. Discussion at the meeting may include, but is not limited to: consideration of CST referral, as appropriate; discussion with parents regarding follow-up treatment, as necessary; and discussion with parents regarding access to additional evaluative information (beyond clearance letter).