How Do We Change

A Mindset?

To The Editor:

I attended the Board of Education meeting Tuesday night. The board indicated their support of the NHS Post Prom. Support by word of mouth is all fine and well, but actions speak louder than words. When we have BOE members holding parties at their homes, the support disappears. Back in December, we sent a letter to all parents of senior students requesting that they support our event and, in lieu of a house party, to please consider holding a breakfast celebration following the conclusion of post prom. Now, I know we cannot demand that individuals not hold parties at their homes. People will often hold small get-togethers of six to ten. However, kids will be kids and when it is learned that a large party will be held at someone’s home, word travels quickly — often quickly enough for them to get a keg ordered and beer purchased from a local liquor store. I know when kids learn keys are being taken upon entry, it “suggests” to them that there will be drinking and they, therefore, cannot leave and drive. I also know that a “safe” party of 50 kids, being held inside and outside of the home, is difficult to chaperone — especially one that swells to 150.

How do we change the mindset that the night after prom automatically means drinking? It has to start with all parents who stand up and say “there’s a great party at the high school — go there” and those parents include the members of the BOE.

God forbid — is it going to take a child becoming violently ill from alcohol poisoning or wrapping themselves around a tree before parents wake up?

On a positive note, I would encourage all parents to come and see what the post prom is all about. We transform the lobby into a theme-inspired location, provide entertainment, food, music, and thousands of dollars in raffle prizes. Other communities get nearly 100 percent participation following their proms. Please help us make Newtown follow in those footsteps.

Janis R. Solheim

Co-President PTSA &

Parent of high school students since 1997

11 Harvest Common Road, Sandy Hook                       May 16, 2007