MELROSE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Michael Lyle, Chief
56 W. Foster Street
Melrose, MA 02176
MELROSE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Cyndy Taymore, Superintendent
360 Lynn Fells Parkway
Melrose, MA 02176

For Immediate Release

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

*Joint Press Release* 

Melrose Police Department and Melrose High School Recommend Graduation Safety Tips

MELROSE – Prior to graduation next month, Police Chief Michael L. Lyle and Melrose High School Principal Marianne Farrell ask that the community review several important safety tips to ensure a positive experience for all.

MHS graduation will take place on June 3.

“This is certainly an exciting time for both students, parents, family and friends,” Chief Lyle said. “When celebrating, please be respectful of others and always put safety first.”

“We would like to congratulate the entire class of 2016 for their accomplishments and wish them good luck on all their future endeavors,” Principal Farrell said. “During the festivities, we remind students to be safe and responsible.”

Students, please remember:

  • To not feel pressured to drink or do drugs. The penalty for person under 21 years old who attempts to purchase alcohol, makes arrangements to buy alcohol, or uses a fake I.D. is a suspended license for 180 days and a $300 fine.
  • Never drink and drive. Do not get in a car with anyone who has been drinking or is under the influence of drugs.
  • Respect yourself and others. Know your boundaries and don’t hesitate to call 911 if you or someone you know is being abused.

Parents can help their students celebrate appropriately. Chief Lyle and Principal Farrell recommend that adults:

  • Know their teenagers’ plans. Find out where your student is going, who it’s with and what they’ll be doing. Make sure all parties are supervised and that you and other adults share the same expectations about party behavior. Offer to drive your teenager to and from parties.
  • Set firm guidelines and expectations for post-ceremony celebrations. Establish a reasonable curfew and check-in periodically.
  • If you’re hosting the party, provide non-alcoholic beverages and do not tolerate drugs on your property. Keep alcohol at home in a locked cabinet. Under the Social Host Law, parents are criminally and civilly liable if they allow underage drinking to occur in their homes.
  • Keep an eye out for students bringing in backpacks or large purses, which could be used to conceal alcohol. Put guests’ belongings in a room and watch out for those who may be going into their bags to retrieve alcohol or drugs that could have slipped past you at the door.
  • At the same time, if an invited guest arrives intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, be prepared to call the person’s parents. Alert adults to your rules before the celebration so they are aware of the consequences if their teen becomes a problem.

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