10 February, 2011
Due to the increase in drug and alcohol use seen at Hopkinton High School this year, Principal Alyson Geary has informed parents that additional measures to ensure that the school remains a drug free zone will be taken.
Based on the school’s search policy, lockers assigned to students remain the property of the Hopkinton Public School and, as such, are subject to periodic inspections. Students and/or their vehicles on school property are also subject to search if they are suspected of possessing illegal contraband.
Based on the search policy, school officials are also allowed to conduct random searches using contraband seeking dogs and will be conducting such searches in the near future.
“As a school community, we want students to know that we will do everything we can to keep our students sake and keep illegal substances out of our school,” said Geary in an email to parents.
Her email followed a recent all school assembly held on Thursday, February 10, where Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone spoke to students about the consequences related to drug and alcohol use for minors. Hopkinton’s Chief of Police Richard Flannery also spoke and discussed the town’s response to underage drinking.
According to Geary, this effort involves education for students about the harmful effects of these substances, support for students when they struggle with drug or alcohol addiction and consistent consequences for students when they are in possession or under the influence of drugs or alcohol in school.
Geary is also seeking support for this effort from parents.
“We cannot do this alone; we need your support to address this serious issue,” said Geary.
To help communicate concerns, the Hopkinton Public Schools, in conjunction with the Hopkinton Police Department and School Resource Officer Phil Powers have set up an anonymous Tip Line where parents, students or community members can report suspicious activity.
“We urge parents to be vigilant and to report any concerns anonymously that they may not feel comfortable reporting in person,” said Geary.
HOPKINTON TIP LINE 508-293-1191
To see the HCAM News interview with Officer Phil Powers about the Tip Line Click Here
