Students Urged to Celebrate Prom Safely

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This is a wonderful time of the year for our teenage children – a season of celebration, end of year parties, proms and the return of warm weather. The enjoyment of this time can be marred, however, by accidents that are related to driving and the consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs. This message is applicable to all students, regardless of their age and grade. In the past, the lives of Lower Merion young people and their families have been dramatically altered by bad decisions. We can prevent the potential for future tragedies if we join together and exercise control and good judgment, particularly if hosting and monitoring parties and gatherings.

We are appealing to every adult in this community to help stop teenagers from drinking and driving.

On the reverse side, we have included some facts about Pennsylvania's underage drinking law. Parents and students should understand the serious consequences of violating the law. Please read and share this information with your children. Also included is information from the Coalition for Youth of Lower Merion & Narberth regarding "Make the Call, Take the Call" -- a program that helps promote safe decisions in a variety of difficult/dangerous situations.

We urge you to speak with your children about this matter and encourage them to find safe social outlets and settings. We will continue to reinforce this message in school. This should be a time of joy and celebration. Let's do everything we can to keep it that way.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Michael J. McGrath
Superintendent of Police

Christopher McGinley, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

See the letter in full here. See the "Make the Call, Take the Call" tips referenced in the letter here.