Skip to main content

Breathalyzer Tests to be Administered at High School Dance

By contributor,
hopkinton_publc_schools_13.jpg

Dear Parents/Guardians,

In an effort to continue to promote a safe and healthy school environment, and in keeping with the Hopkinton High School guidelines communicated in our handbook, I am writing to let you know that we will be administering random breathalyzers at the All School dance this Friday, December 5th (7:30 – 10pm). We instituted this policy last year primarily as a preventative measure and in keeping with School Committee Policy JICH.

The School Committee prohibits students’ use, possession, distribution, or selling of controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, or non‐prescribed mind altering substances, as well as prescription medication misuse in school, on school grounds, or at any school activities.

Like last year, we will use the breathalyzers in a random manner as students enter the dance. We instituted this practice not to ‘catch’ students, but simply to promote an alcohol-free environment. The school’s goal is to ensure a safe atmosphere and encourage positive decision-making regarding the illegal use of alcohol.

Per the HHS Student Handbook (p. 18-19)

Upon entering the dance, all students will be assessed for their well-being and to ensure that they are not bringing any unwanted items into the dance.

Per the HHS Student Handbook (p. 23)

Alcohol “breathalyzers” may be used to determine whether a student is under the influence of alcohol. Any student who refuses to take a breathalyzer will be subject to disciplinary consequences.

Therefore, a positive breathalyzer result or a refusal to take the test will lead to disciplinary action and a call to a parent/guardian to pick the student up immediately. All students were made aware of this and other behavioral expectations at the dance in an email sent yesterday afternoon.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students safe,

Evan Bishop
Principal