MCPS_-y MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
\www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org MARYLAND
May 27, 2016
Malcpam, Baldrige
Dear Bethesda-Chevy Chase Senior Class Families: Fara Racint
‘As we approach the graduation ceremony for the Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (B-CC) Class
‘of 2016, I am writing to you about a recent event involving the use of alcohol by students during B-
CC prom activities. First, I want to make it very clear that I do not condone underage drinking and
that MCPS stands with the B-CC community in its efforts to address the use of alcohol by students.
‘As you may be aware, [have made the decision to allow some students who consumed alcohol during
prom activities to participate in graduation ceremonies. My decision was based on the individual
circumstances of these cases. I did not reach this decision lightly, and I support the work that Dr.
Donna Redmond-Jones, B-CC parents, and staff are doing to promote student safety and healthy
decision making. I made this decision in the context of examining the circumstances of this situation
and Board of Education policy. The Board of Education policy is clear that, as a matter of general
practice, the exclusion from commencement ceremonies may not be included in local school policies
regarding disciplinary standards and procedures. However, principals retain the authority to exclude
students from participation in commencement ceremonies for cause, on a case-by-case basis. After
meeting with the students, who received appropriate consequences under our discipline policy, I have
determined that they should be allowed to participate in their commencement ceremonies.
I want to be clear that I stand by Dr. Redmond-Jones and the parent, staff, and student leadership in
their commitment to student safety and well being, and | am asking for the support of all of you in this
critical work. We need to come together to continue to address the issue of alcohol and substance abuse
in our communities, and I commend Dr. Redmond-Jones for her efforts this year. The leadership of
MCPS is committed to supporting the work to combat this persistent issue. Students and families must
be an important part of the solution, and I call on students to step forward to share their experiences
and their perspectives on the issues of alcohol and substance abuse.
We must continue to work together to address underage drinking in our communities to ensure that
students will have healthy, safe, and productive lives. Finally, | would like to congratulate the members
of the B-CC Class of 2016 and their families and wish all of the members of the class the best in all
future endeavors. This milestone is not an end, but a gateway to many opportunities that await our
students in the future.
Sincerely,
Larry-A. Bowers
Interim Superintendent of Schools
Office of the Superintendent of Schools
“850 Hungerford Drive, Room 122 # Rockville, Maryland 20850 ¢ 301-279-3381