INFORMATION FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Illegal Student Activities     

Dear Parents/Guardians:                                                                                     April 23, 2007

                The following information, sent home to high school parents,  is being shared with all parents in grades K – 8 even though it primarily involves the high school. It is unfortunate that the actions of a few cause letters like this to be sent. Our high school students are typically great young men and women whom we celebrate. However, it is the partnership between the school, student, and home that help to keep our children safe. Parents of younger students, particularly those in middle school, must be vigilant in their oversight of their children’s on-line activities as well as their gatherings with friends. I hope this information is helpful as your children continue toward becoming high school students. Rest assured that we will work together for the continuous improvement of student achievement, health, and safety for all students in our schools.

Should you have questions with regard to this information, please contact us.

Very truly yours.

Paul A. Livingston

Superintendent of Schools

INFORMATION FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

Illegal Student Activities                                

            Pentucket Regional High School students have posted pictures online on websites such as My Space, Live Journal, and Facebook showing students holding and/or drinking alcohol at local residences where underage drinking is being allowed. Administrators at Pentucket Regional School District , after having become aware of these postings, have identified students and an investigation is currently ongoing with the local police. These illegal activities by students are punishable through fines and other actions through the court system. Parents also face penalties under MA law if parties involving illegal substances and alcohol take place at their residence.

                It is our intent to pursue punishments to the fullest extent possible in our efforts to make our communities as safe for our students as is possible. It is the responsibility of the adults in our schools and at home to model behaviors that set expectations of zero tolerance in regard to all illegal activities.

                Beyond this, the high school student handbook contains additional penalties for students participating in extracurricular activities and athletics. We will pursue the penalties associated with these procedures as listed below, without exceptions, in all proven instances of misbehavior. Please see the full citations of these policies on the pages indicated in your child’s student handbook/agenda book.

I.              Memorandum of Understanding – page 36 – Cases involving possession or use of illegal substances or weapons, the use of force, vandalism, hazing, civil rights violations, theft, threats of assault, bomb threats and false fire alarms, criminal harassment, sexual assault or inappropriate sexual behavior, selling or distribution of controlled substances and students under the

influence of alcohol, inhalants or other drugs will be reported to the police.

II.             Drugs and Alcohol – page 46 – Student possession, use, sale or transfer of drugs (as defined in the Controlled Substance Act, Mass, General Laws 94C, as amended and including prescription drugs, or alcohol or possession of drug paraphernalia, on school property (including buses) or at school functions is prohibited at all times.

III.            MIAA Chemical Health Rule – page 53 – Twelve (12) month policy – A student athlete (or candidate) shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol, any tobacco product, marijuana, steroids, or any controlled substance. This policy included products such as “NA or near beer.” It is not a violation for a student to be possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by his/her doctor.               1^st offense – loss of eligibility for 25% of games - 2^nd offense – loss of eligibility for 60% of games