Police Offer Prom Safety Tips For Parents and Teens

As Garden City's Class of 2011 readies for pre-prom and prom festivities Thursday, the Garden City Police Department is offering safety tips for parents and teens to make this night a memorable one for all.

Tips For Parents

• Know and discuss the school code of conduct before the prom with your child.
• Know who your child is attending the prom with and discuss the events for pre- and post-prom parties with other parents.
• Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving. New York State law mandates arrest and license revocation/suspension of any person under 21 driving with .02 percent or more blood alcohol content (one drink!).
• Talk with your child about the dangers of club drugs, warning signs and who to notify for assistance.
• Pre-plan and role-play answers that your child can use to get out of uncomfortable situations. (e.g., offered alcohol, getting a ride from an intoxicated driver, unwanted sexual advances, etc.)
• Discuss guidelines and a curfew. Discuss the consequences of violating these rules.
• Discuss travel plans, use a reputable limousine service that will not allow a person to bring, serve or introduce alcohol into the vehicle.
• Know who is driving to the prom and who will be a passenger. Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce driver distractions.
• Know the location of post-prom parties and who is sponsoring them.
• Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.
• Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers of drinking alcohol such as alcohol overdose or alcohol poisoning.
• If your child’s’ plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children.
• Remind your child that you are there for them, if they need a ride home or to an after-prom affair.

Tips for Teens

• Alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of 21. Underage drinking is illegal and can result in arrest, injury or worse!
• Don’t let friends drink and drive.
• Plan ahead—make sure you have a safe plan for prom night.
• Discuss your plans with your friends; remind each other about responsible decision-making and confronting peer pressure.
• Do not accept any drinks from someone you do not know. If you leave your drink, discard it and get a new one.
• Do not leave your possessions unattended.
• Learn the warning signs for alcohol/drug poisoning and intoxication; contact 911 for assistance and immediate treatment.
• Take extra money or have a responsible person available for transportation for a safe ride home or in case an emergency arises.
• Remember to charge you cell phone and have it with you.
• Know where you are and where you are going; keep your parents and friends informed.
• Trust your instincts, if you feel endangered or uncomfortable, leave immediately.
• Intoxication by alcohol or drugs can lead to poor judgment and dangerous situations.
• Remember to contact your parents if your plans change.
• Practice and discuss answers you can use to get out of uncomfortable situations.
• Do not allow anyone in your car or limo that has alcohol, drugs or weapons. It is dangerous and every one in the car is at risk of getting arrested.
• It is illegal to alter your driver's license or any other form of government identification.

According to a letter high school principal Nanine Cuttitta sent home to parents regarding pre-prom and prom, all students must be brought by a parent or guardian to the high school between 6-6:30 p.m. Students are not permitted to drive themselves or to have a limousine or party bus drop them off.

Further, students are required to enter through the social studies doors where they will check in with a faculty member and have such items as pocketbooks and jacket pockets checked. No student is permitted to bring a backpack or overnight bag of any kind. Once in school, students will not have the opportunity to go to their lockers or anywhere other than the area dedicated to the pre-prom.  
 
Parents are invited to park in the back lot and enter through the cafeteria where they can meet with their child, take pictures and enjoy light refreshments. Please do not bring any bags to pre-prom.

Principal Cuttitta warns that upon check-in, any student suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be sent to a designated area for evaluation. The penalty for misbehavior at pre-prom or prom may include non-attendance at graduation June 25.

Coach bus transportation will be provided beginning at 7-7:30 p.m. to transport students to the Garden City Hotel. School officials note that prior to boarding the buses, students will pick up their prom ticket/bracelet from a designated table outside the gym. Principal Cuttitta notes in the letter that this is the only opportunity for students to claim their ticket/bracelet. (Under no circumstances will a student be permitted to enter the hotel without a prom ticket/bracelet.)

Students will have the opportunity to take photos and enjoy finger foods at the hotel between 7-8 p.m. As students check in at the hotel, attendance will be verified, according to the letter. A professional photographer will be on hand to take photos.

Students will then enjoy dinner and dancing between 8 p.m. and midnight and are required to stay at the hotel until 11:15 p.m. - no one will be permitted to leave the prom before that time.

Bus transportation will not be provided back to the high school. Arrangements must be made for students to be picked up from the Garden City Hotel. Parents are not permitted to enter the hotel to pick students up or to make deliveries. Students are also not permitted to change their clothing in the restrooms at the Garden City Hotel.