Principal Issues Warning About Scavenger Hunt
Says the event’s time has “come and gone”
May 11, 2015
Interim Principal Tony Pavia issued a letter to parents warning of consequences for any illegal activity that might take place during the scavenger hunt. The letter read as follows:
Dear Parents,
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, I would like to discuss an issue with you in the hopes that you will, in turn, discuss this issue with your child.
The end of the year signals the commencement of a number of great activities and memories which will last a lifetime.
There is however, one of these end of year “rights of passage” or “traditions” that is of great concern to me and which I believe is a concept whose time has come and gone. The “Annual Scavenger Hunt” has evolved from a night of teen mischief to an activity which has become dangerous, destructive and beneath the behavior we expect from our students. Students are often asked to engage in behavior that breaks the law (and I’m not talking about stealing a street sign) and places people at risk. Some of the items students are asked to do go well beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior. Participants are often asked to film such acts to verify their completion.
Once again, in past eras some of this conduct could be chalked up to “teenage mischief” but in this day and age it has moved beyond the point of innocent fun. Accordingly, I am asking you as parents to have a conversation with your students on this and reinforce the school’s position and expectations.
First, we do not believe that this is safe or healthy activity.
Secondly, any conduct that occurs during this Scavenger Hunt which is illegal or violates the school’s code of conduct will be addressed immediately. If any consequence of this activity disrupts the school environment it will be addressed accordingly. Students will risk not only legal consequences but also school sanctions including a prohibition from participating in school activities. Any illegal conduct will be reported to the police.
I am asking that you sit down with your child and discuss the potential risks and rewards of the Scavenger Hunt. If your child tells you that it is just good, innocent fun please remind him/her that safety and well being are our foremost concern and that all of us, as adults would rather be proactive, than react to something when it is too late. If your child tells you that this is an “off campus matter” and that the school cannot act on it please tell them to reconsider that notion. Events such as this almost always spill over into the school and cause a disruption to the school environment…and at that point, whether we like it or not, it DOES become the school’s business.
Once again, the school does not condone this activity, and thus will not turn a blind eye to illegal conduct or unacceptable behavior that violates the school’s code of conduct.
I appreciate for your cooperation in this matter. As my mother often told me, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
Sincerely,
Tony Pavia
Interim Principal
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