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Community Corner

Amity Parents Alerted to Increased Drug Use at School

Letter to parents warns of consequences for drug use

In light of an increasing number of drug-related arrests at Amity High School, administrators are appealing to parents to keep a close eye on their children and their prescription medication.

In a letter that was distributed to parents this afternoon, Amity High School Principal Charles Britton said he was enlisting the support of parents and guardians.

In the letter, Britton said there have been 18 instances of students found in possession of drugs at Amity High School since September.

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"Much of the drug activity has involved students bringing prescription medications to school," he explains in the letter, adding, "The most serious recent incidents involved students who were under the influence of prescription medication that they illegally procured. These students required emergency medical attention."

The letter continues: "These prescription medications are accessed by students in the home, and distributed to students in the school and community. Parents and guardians are asked to keep prescription medications under lock and key, and carefully monitor all medications kept in the home. Parents and guardians are also reminded that students are not allowed to self-medicate in school."

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Student prescription medications are required to be kept in the Health Office and distributed to students by the school nursing staff, just as in the younger grades. According to Britton's letter, "Any student caught with prescription medication, even prescription medication that is prescribed to them by a physician (epi-pens and inhalers excluded), will face disciplinary consequences.

The principal warns parents that the administration and faculty at Amity High School will continue to be vigilant and closely monitor student behavior, searching students when there is a reasonable suspicion of possession of illegal substances.

Many high school students have already heard of the administration's possible plan to bring drug-sniffing dogs into the school.

In his letter, Britton said the he is considering additional measures that may involve the use of law enforcement and K-9 units to ensure that the high school is drug-free.

To see letter click on the PDF. You can enlarge it by hitting the + or - sign at the bottom of the window.

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