As the school year nears its completion, the months of May and June afford students and families many opportunities for celebration. This is one of the most vulnerable times of the school year for high school students. Traditionally, proms and graduation events result in more high school age students being involved in motor vehicle accidents where drugs and alcohol are involved. These kinds of accidents increase the likelihood that some students will perish as a result of one of these accidents. We believe that the number of these catastrophic accidents can be reduced or eliminated with proactive involvement by parents and the community. We encourage parents to speak to their students about the choices they make when celebrating the end of the school year.

Additionally, Westbrook High School, Westbrook Regional Vocational Center, the Westbrook Fire/Rescue Department, and the Westbrook Police Department have partnered to bring the “Student Save a Life Program” to Westbrook students on Friday May 13, 2005. The purpose of the program is to educate a target audience (juniors and seniors) of high school students on the dangers of drinking and driving. The partnership’s goal is to provide a realistic situation so students can witness for themselves the personal and community devastation that accompanies these untimely but all too frequently tragic accidents.

Accordingly, there will be a vehicle accident reenactment drill exercise outside of Westbrook High School at 8 a.m. Friday, May 13, with a post drill exercise in the high school auditorium concluding prior to the third instructional block. Because of the realism associated with the exercise, it is important that all students and parents know that students may opt out of the accident reenactment and post drill exercise. Additionally, there will be counselors available after the exercise and throughout the school day to assist students who develop emotional distress as a result of the Student Save a Life Program. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Jack, assistant principal at 854-0810 extension 448 or Dr. Bruce Dyer, school counselor, extension 449.