Sounds like a CYA letter in case something happens to a student like happened to that poor child in Aruba.

Nancy

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Replying to:

This came from my school PTA's mailing list, whose emails target parents and not students.
SHSPTA1@aol.com Fri, Jan 13, 2006 at 9:38 AM
To: undisclosed-recipients
The following letter was sent to parents of seniors in November. It's never too early to have a conversation with your children about spring break. We hope this letter will help you begin a dialogue with your children, regardless of their grade.

The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs and Alcohol

Diane Levy and Julie Quigley, Co-Chairs
Meg Goodman and Nancy Michaels, Co-Vice Chairs
Melpo Fite, Secretary and Monica Rafajac, Treasurer


The Scarsdale Task Force on Drugs & Alcohol

P.O. Box 264

Scarsdale, NY 10583

ScarsdaleTF2003@aol.com

November 15, 2005



Dear Parents of Seniors:



In our efforts to help foster drug and alcohol free attitudes and habits, we would like to provide you with some helpful information. In the past several years, some seniors have gone away, during spring recess, not accompanied by an adult. “Spring Break” is currently a topic of conversation between many seniors and their parents, as they are starting to make their plans. When making decisions about your family’s vacation plans, please consider the following:



Ø Not all seniors go on unsupervised “Spring Break” trips - in fact, the majority do not.



Ø Teenagers do not assess risk well, especially in group situations.



Ø Sexual inhibitions diminish with alcohol & drug use.



Ø Possession of a fake or altered government issued ID is a felony.



Ø “Spring Break Vacation” trip packages do not provide adequate supervision - if any at all.



Ø Foreign countries have lower drinking ages, often legalized gambling and may have easy access to alcohol and other drugs.



Ø If a child is arrested in a foreign country, he or she will be subject to the jurisdiction of that country - many of which have zero tolerance laws for drug and alcohol possession.

In light of these facts, please consider alternatives to your child going away unsupervised. Some options to think about are:



· Include your child’s friend(s) in your family vacation.



· Send one parent with the teens to act as a chaperone.



· Plan a vacation with other families.



“Spring Break” is a difficult and controversial issue and our children can be very persuasive. It is important to consider the facts that we have provided and speak with other parents prior to making any decisions. If you have questions or doubts about your child’s proposed plans, the likelihood is that other parents do as well. Ask questions, find out details, follow your instincts, and do not be afraid to say “no”.

Sincerely,



Diane Levy and Julie Quigley, Co-Chairs;

Meg Goodman and Nancy Michaels, Co-Vice Chairs;

Melpo Fite, Secretary; Monica Rafajac, Treasurer


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