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No Empty Seats | Make Sure Celebratory Events are Safe for Everyone!
Every year, numerous students don't make it to their graduation. For parents, siblings, educators, and the community, these memorable moments become tragic and tarnished when a child dies. Don't let a bad decision keep you from graduation or another milestone in your life.
NO drugs.
NO alcohol.
NO vaping.
NO texting & driving.
Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler issued a letter to all local school districts regarding spring events. In his communication he asked that we remind our community that, "New York State Penal Law Section 260.20 makes it a crime for anyone 18 years of age or older to provide alcohol to minors under the age of 21. In addition, Penal Law Article 222 establishes various criminal penalties for people age 21 and over who provide marijuana to those under age 21, and the New York State Cannabus Law makes it unlawful for anyone under the age of 21 to possess marijuana. Finally, Orange County's Social Host Law imposes criminal penalties on anyone 18 years of age or older who knowingly allows underage drinking on premises under their control, or who fails to take steps to stop underage drinking once it is discovered on those premises."
- Did you know? Overdose deaths of teenagers have more than doubled in the last 3 years.
- Did you know? Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers and young drivers are 17 times more likely to die in a crash when under the influence of alcohol.
- Did you know? We're here to help! If you're concerned about yourself or a friend, talk to an adult in your school building. School counselors, psychologists, nurses, and social workers are available to help! If you don't feel comfortable talking to someone you know, Text 4 Teens is a confidential textline for teens to text if they find themselves in a crisis, need info, referrals, or just need to chat. The number is 845-391-1000.
For our students, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler would like to remind you that you "should immediately seek medical attention for anyone experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency as a result of alcohol or drug consumption. New York's "Good Samaritan” Law prevents prosecution of drug- and alcohol-possession offenses committed by people whose possession of those substances is discovered as a result of their reporting such a medical emergency."
You can read Orange County District Attorney Hoovler's full letter by clicking this link.
For our families, a recording of the Parent Training Session: “Hidden Mischief” is available to view at your leisure. The content will help families become aware of current drug and alcohol trends in teens and how families can educate themselves and have discussions with their children to prevent use and abuse of these substances. The information is presented by MaryAlice Kovatch, Prevention Coordinated at The Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County. The presentation was in collaboration with the Orange County STOP DWI and Traffic Safety Program. Additionally, Diana Archer, Program Manager of YES! Newburgh (You Experience Success) and Malcolm Davis from the Osborne Association also presented about their youth program. This video is useful for families of children in all grades. The NECSD continues to thank our families as we work together to provide a quality educational environment for our scholars.
ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!