Seniors Could Be Banned From Prom, Graduation For Missteps

ANNAPOLIS, MD — The last few weeks of the school year bring an abundance of high school graduation parties, and that can prompt some teens to make poor choices as they wrap up their senior year. Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent George Arlotto sent a letter home with students on Monday warning them as to what they should not be doing.

Arlotto reminded seniors and their parents that the use or possession of alcohol and other illegal substances by a high-schooler would keep them from participating in prom, graduation, and other special events scheduled for the rest of the year. Arlotto urged Anne Arundel County high school seniors to not make "bad decisions."

The school system's administrative regulation JCC-RAC says:

"Graduating students who violate board policies on possession, consumption, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, controlled dangerous substances, counterfeit controlled dangerous substances, non-controlled substances as defined by 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 began this year on April 24, 2019, Arlotto explained in a release distributed by the school district. The regulation is also "clearly spelled out" in the district's student handbook distributed at the beginning of each school year. Parents and students signed a form indicating they had reviewed the handbook and that form also specifically highlights the regulation, Arlotto indicated in the release.

Here's the full text of Arlotto's letter:

May 6, 2019

Dear Parents and Guardians of High School Seniors:

Can you believe it? We are now just a little less than a month away from the beginning of high school graduation ceremonies. This is a time that is very special in the lives of every high school student and their family. The memories of the next few months will live with you and your children for decades to come, and everyone at Anne Arundel County Public Schools wants to do everything possible to make these memories positive. Our students have responsibilities in these
waning days of their high school careers as well. It is incumbent upon them to abide by the Code of Student Conduct and adhere to all policies adopted by the Board of Education. Please take this time to remind them of the following:

Regulation JCC-RAC “Alcoholic Beverages, Controlled Dangerous Substances, or Other Intoxicants” establishes penalties for student use of alcoholic beverages, controlled dangerous substances, or other intoxicants. It is against the law and school policy for any student to use these substances at any time, and serious consequences can be imposed on those who are found
to be in violation. In addition, there are serious implications for high school seniors with regard to taking part in graduation and related senior activities. Regulation JCC-RAC reads in part:

• a. Graduating students who violate Board policies on possession, consumption, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, controlled dangerous substances, counterfeit controlled dangerous substances, non-controlled substances as defined by 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.

• b. Diplomas earned by students denied participation in graduation ceremonies will be available upon request in the office of the appropriate school principal on the first workday following graduation ceremonies.

The last scheduled day for graduating students this year is May 23, 2019. Thus, the effective date under the “last four weeks” provision is April 24, 2019.

This should be a great time in the life of graduating seniors. Please talk with your child about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and about the consequences that can result from poor decisions. I also encourage you to discuss with them the proper course of action should they find themselves in a situation where others are engaging in prohibited behavior (e.g., possession of alcohol or drugs in a vehicle). In such instances, students should report the activity to a school administrator
immediately. Failure to do so could lead to sanctions outlined above.

I thank you for your partnership in this effort and look forward to seeing you this graduation season!

Sincerely,
George Arlotto, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools