Lots to Celebrate....and let's do it safely

We have entered that time of year when lots of celebrating and exhibition of work occurs. Last week (and continuing through the end of May) our art students opened an exhibition at Helen Day Art Center in Stowe. AP students are wrapping up testing and the PA Dance Team will provide a fun and exciting year end show this Friday in the PA Auditorium at 7pm. And, there is lots more to come.

Starting with Prom this weekend some of those big and traditional celebrations begin. Soon, there will be the alumni banquet, clubs and sports year end parties, and, of course, the biggest of them all, Graduation. Our community certainly should celebrate the amazing work of our students and the this important time in life of our seniors. Congratulations!

We would like to ask for your help in ensuring that your student’s parties, prom, graduation and other end of the year festivities are memorable and safe. Please join us in making every effort to prevent alcohol or other drug use.

Young people risk health related, and potentially fatal, consequences when they drink alcohol. These risks increase when alcohol is mixed with prescription or over the counter medication and/or illicit drugs. There are also legal consequences for persons under 21 years who possess alcohol with the intent to consume or who use a drivers’ license as false proof to purchase alcohol. It is important to remember that it is against the law to host a gathering where alcohol is consumed by minors.

Alcohol and other drugs, such as marijuana, over-the-counter, and prescription drugs, impair judgment, perception and motor coordination skills. Youth often underestimate the impact that drugs, especially marijuana, have on driving. Marijuana impairs vision, distorts perception of time and space, inhibits reflexes, and may cause drowsiness. These effects are especially frightening when we take into account a teenager’s inexperience behind the wheel.

In order to provide a safe environment for your children during year-end events, but also year-round, consider the following strategies:

1. Talk about expectations around alcohol and other drugs

2. Monitor your teen

3. Spread the word and make connections with other parents

4. Know the warning signs of a problem

Learn more about these strategies and how to take action from ParentUp (http://parentupvt.org/), an initiative of the Vermont Department of Health.

The truth is no matter how much we support or shelter our children, they will face situations and stresses that can open the door to substance abuse and other serious issues. While students may complain about our concern and vigilance, studies show that the key reason kids give for not drinking is that they don’t want to disappoint their parents. The truth is that children care deeply about their parents’ opinions—even if they don’t show it directly.

Thank you for your anticipated assistance and cooperation.  If you hear of an underage party you can help keep area students safe by reporting it directly to your local police department or to the Vermont State Police Anonymous Tip line: www.vtips.info or text “CRIMES” (274637) to Keyword: VTIPS.

Sincerely,

Peoples Academy Administration and Staff

[Adapted from http://www.drugfreenh.org/images/pdf/2016%20aam%20guide.pdf]