School Employee Partied With Students Drinking Alcohol: MCPS

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A Quince Orchard High School staff member is accused of attending a private graduation party where students openly consumed alcohol, according to Montgomery County Public Schools.

In a letter to the Quince Orchard community, Principal Elizabeth Thomas said she couldn't share much about the May 16 incident, but revealed that the employee attended a graduation party where students were drinking alcohol and playing alcohol-related games. She also explained that the school has taken "appropriate actions in conjunction with MCPS and Montgomery County Police."

"I am deeply troubled by the failure of this staff member to exercise appropriate judgment," Thomas wrote. "I would like to remind our parent community of the essential need to be vigilant when hosting celebrations involving our students and to encourage all of us to reaffirm our pledge to keep all events involving our students alcohol and drug-free."

It is unclear what actions were taken. It is also not immediately known if the Quince Orchard High School employee was invited to the private graduation party by a student or parent.

Here's the principal's letter to the community in its entirety:

Dear Quince Orchard families,

I am writing to inform you of an incident involving a member of our staff and to reiterate our shared expectations and goals to keep our students safe at all times, especially during prom and graduation season. The Quince Orchard community, in association with our PTSA, Booster club, NAACP, and other parent support organizations have established a shared vision around the safety and wellbeing of our students. This incident does not reflect our commitment to that shared vision.

It has been brought to our attention that on May 16, 2019 a Quince Orchard High School staff member attended a private graduation party where QOHS students openly consumed alcohol and participated in alcohol-related games. Although I am not able to share additional details related to this personnel matter, I want to assure you that we have taken the appropriate actions in conjunction with MCPS and Montgomery County Police. I am deeply troubled by the failure of this staff member to exercise appropriate judgment. I would like to remind our parent community of the essential need to be vigilant when hosting celebrations involving our students and to encourage all of us to reaffirm our pledge to keep all events involving our students alcohol and drug-free.

As always, our administrative team, counseling staff, teachers, and support professionals remain committed to the safety and well-being of our students and families. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Thomas (Beth)

Principal