Dear Brien McMahon Family:

          I hope everyone enjoyed the spring break and returned to school rejuvenated and energized to face the end of the year challenges.  Most of the year’s state and federal mandated testing is complete.  I extend my sincere thanks to students who worked to their fullest potential and to families and faculty who supported them.

            On a serious note, I need to stress my expectations for the final months to insure a successful, safe, and dignified finale. Unfortunately, I have too often been saddened by a news article or report of a tragedy associated with an end of the year event.  It is my intention that my words will play a role in encouraging McMahon students to make all the right choices.

The prom is one of life’s milestones. I need your help and cooperation to insure the Junior and Senior proms are happy, memorable, and safe events. The administration has the very highest expectations of your child and will not tolerate alcohol or substance use before or during the prom. A student who is under the influence of any substance will be excluded from the prom and suspended from school. No refunds will be made. 

Our expectations will be discussed with the students.  The rules are no different than any other school day.  Also, I believe it is necessary to stress a few points that I know from experience will help us attain our goal of a safe and orderly prom.

·         Leaving a house unattended is an invitation to disaster. While your teenager may not drink, you are exposing them to an incredible amount of peer pressure to use your house for an unsupervised party. Only a parent’s presence prevents an unwanted party.

·         Pre-prom parties must be well supervised. If you are hosting a party, be aware of what is happening among your guests. Adults can be held liable for any harm that occurs to partygoers. If your teen is invited to a party, it is a good idea to verify that there will be adult supervision.

·         Limousines and parlor cars are a calculated gamble. Some maintain that these vehicles and their drivers guarantee their child’s safety. However, the use of these vehicles often encourages drinking. I must warn you that if alcohol is found in ANY vehicle, no student riding in that vehicle will be allowed into the prom. Also, the CT Dept. of Transportation requires all operators of limousines and parlor cars be properly registered. 

Please talk to your child and urge him/her to avoid riding with any student that could jeopardize his/her senior prom. No refunds will be made.

Please share my concerns and talk seriously with your son or daughter about the expectations of personal behavior that we have set for him/her. This conversation may prove to be more worthwhile than any rule or regulation that I may set.

Finally, all financial obligations, fines and charges due to lost textbooks and school property must be paid prior to purchasing a prom ticket or participating in graduation. Obligations have been given to each junior and senior.  Search your book shelves, closets, and under the bed for lost books, athletic equipment, and uniforms.  Fines must be paid in the bookkeeping office.  All parents should explain the importance of returning school property at the end of the year to avoid financial obligations during junior and senior year.

     Please see the list of student achievements listed on page 2 of the Newsletter.  We have many students who won awards at the Science Fair and recent Science Olympiad and Odyssey of the Mind competitions.  Congratulations on your hard work--you make us all very proud!

  Best wishes for a happy  Spring!

Suzanne Brown Koroshetz

Suzanne Brown Koroshetz, Principal

Sincerely,

Suzanne Brown Koroshetz