Superintendent Kevin Maxwell today reminded high school seniors and their parents that the use or possession of alcohol and other illegal substances can cost students a chance to participate in prom, graduation, and other ceremonies culminating their high school careers.
“I do not want to see what should be a great time in the life of graduating seniors marred by immature and unwise decisions,” Dr. Maxwell wrote in a letter to parents of soon-to-be graduates. “More importantly, I don’t want to see any of our students engage in behavior that could have consequences for themselves and others.”
Administrative Regulation JCC-RAC stipulates the following:
Graduating students who violate Board policies on possession, consumption, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, controlled dangerous substances, counterfeit controlled dangerous substances, noncontrolled substances as defined by Article 27, Section 286B of the Annotated Code of Maryland, or other intoxicant at any time during the last four weeks of school prior to the last scheduled day for graduating students, or during the time between the last scheduled day and the graduation ceremony, whether the activity takes place on school buses, within a school building or upon any school property, or during any school, school related, or Board sponsored activity, whether held on school property or at locations off school property, including private clubs, businesses, or commercial establishments, shall be prohibited from participation in all senior activities, including proms, award ceremonies, and graduation ceremonies.
The “last four weeks” period referred to in the regulation begins this year on May 1, 2013. The regulation is also clearly spelled out in the Student Handbook distributed at the beginning of each school year. Parents and students must sign a form indicating they have reviewed the handbook. That form also specifically highlights the regulation.
Parents were also informed of the letters by automated phone call and letters were sent via email to all parents for whom AACPS has email addresses.