Alcohol/drug offenses in Fairfax County high schools

[Fern435]

Originally Posted by EuroExpat

Don't get me wrong, I'm not for the drinking parties but they sure beat the alternative. Kids get drunk someplace else (where there is NO adult supervision like parks, home while parents are away), drive drunk, get pregnant and all that fun stuff. At least there will be an adult in the house in case there are problems. IMO what these parents are doing is responsible (well, not buying the booze part) since they KNOW their kids will get drunk no matter what and want to provide a safe place to do it.

Underage drinking was the topic of a recent discussion at West Potomac High School. According to Captain Mike Kline, commander of the Mount Vernon Station of the Fairfax County Police, an adult who hosts and provides alcohol at parties for teens can be charged criminally. They can also be held civilly liable if any death or injury occurs as a result of the party.

The meeting also mentioned the fact that there have been many students bringing prescription drugs to share/use at these parties.

Parents who use the "they'll get drunk no matter what" line are giving up and giving in to peer pressure themselves. This is not responsible parenting. It teaches the teens that some laws don't need to be obeyed. It's more important to be popular and go with the herd!

[car54]

My retirement gig is driving a FCPS school bus (5 years now)...and you wouldn't believe the stuff I've seen. Kids falling down drunk (or high) at 2:10 pm.

I graduated from Annandale HS in 1970, and you couldn't get a drink at school back in those days! LOL

It's unbelievable really, oral sex parties in the back of the bus, you name it. And the parents are totally clueless and in denial. They tell me I didn't see what I thought I saw. Fortunately, FCPS is finally equipping our buses with state-of-the-art camera systems....a lot of parents are going to be in for some interesting "viewing"!

Incidentally, the cameras are already paying for themselves.....parents of prodigies that like to slice up or write obscenities on bus seats are being presented with the bill.

[Fern435]

For families moving into Fairfax County, trying to determine what home they can secure in a school area that works for them is extremely challenging, even when money is no issue. These figures might encourage a few people who are moving into this area to consider schools that might have been avoided based on old information/reputations.

With many new people cycling in, neighborhoods and schools do change. Attracting new families to a school can help the entire school environment, which also improves the district and community.