Mrs. Jennifer Lagor, The Hill School's assistant headmaster for student life, would like to share the following message with Hill parents:
I would like to take this opportunity to address the topic of alcohol use/abuse at off-campus or non-School events, primarily weekend parties.
I am, as always, concerned about the use of alcohol by students both on and off campus. Although it is impossible to assess the level of alcohol use off campus, we are still certain that there is use and that it is occasionally accepted by our students and even by some adults responsible for them. Furthermore, unfortunately, we continue to discover that parties take place at homes without adults present and/or occur with adults present, but without adequate supervision. We strongly recommend that you and other parents not serve alcohol at adolescent parties for the following reasons:
It is illegal to serve alcohol to guests that are minors in your home.
Large adolescent parties are almost impossible to manage.
Parents who host parties where drinking occurs take the risk of being liable for any harm which may come to their guests after they leave. Parents may be legally responsible for knowing about the condition of their guests even if they are unaware of the drinking.
Students will bring alcohol to parties and hide it (e.g. water bottles), sneaking out when they wish to drink.
Parents may be legally responsible for the actions of their guests even if they are unaware of the drinking.
Student drinking will get out of hand. Students can risk serious harm to themselves and inadvertently damage furniture and other property. Some students will be in no condition to leave your home. You may find you must house some of the students overnight.
Parents assume that if their child is a guest in your home that you will be responsible for their well-being and safety.
On a related note, some may suggest that off-campus events involving students are not the School's business, but we respectfully disagree. We believe that our parents and the School must work together to address the problem of adolescent drinking at weekend parties. It will be more effective if your children and our students know that their parents and the School are prepared to approach this issue together.
We appreciate the support parents show our students and their friends when hosting our students and your clear guidance goes a long way. Please do not hesitate to call if you have questions about this letter or the subject of teens and parties.
Sincerely,
Jennifer E. Lagor
Assistant Headmaster for Student Life