Last Opportunity This School Year to Attend
Senior Week: Staying Safe in Ocean City
Monday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Mt. Hebron High School Auditorium
Sponsored by HC DrugFree and the
Mt. Hebron High School PTSA
HC DrugFree's Executive Director, Joan Webb Scornaienchi, Ocean City Police Department's Corporal Howard Caplan and Ocean City Beach Patrol's Sergeant James McVey will return on April 8 for this year's final Senior Week: Staying Safe in Ocean City program to be held at Mt. Hebron High School. On February 19, 2013 HC DrugFree and Howard High School's PTSA partnered to bring this program to 175 parents and teens. HC DrugFree encourages all teens going to the shore for Senior Week and their parents to attend this popular must see/must hear program.
Caplan acknowledges the concern of parents that senior week in Ocean City is the first time many teens are away from home without their parents or other adult supervision. He conducts programs in Howard and other counties because the Ocean City Police experience a dramatic increase in incidents and calls for service in June when teenagers suddenly arrive in Ocean City. These programs are an attempt to keep teens safe and reduce police-related incidents.
Caplan will provide tips on a variety of topics for both teens and parents, such as:
Underage drinking
Illegal drug use
Sexual encounters after a few drinks
The importance of staying in a group
Taking care of yourself and friends
Not leaving any drinks unattended (including water or soda)
Reviewing the lease and contents of condo upon arrival
Problems with teens having a car in Ocean City
The benefits of carrying pre-paid credit cards vs. cash
Talking to your teen every night (no texting)
Beach Patrol Sgt. James McVey, also a Howard County Public School teacher, will review the basics of water safety and remind teens how to handle themselves in the water to prevent drowning. McVey strongly encourages teens to build a relationship with the beach patrol because their job is to keep the public safe.
Play it Safe brochures will be available at Howard County public high school guidance offices. Once the teens arrive in Ocean City, they can receive a coupon book at hotels/motels, businesses or the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. We encourage teens to take advantage of the many FREE promotions listed on the calendar of events provided by the Play it Safe Campaign. By attending a Play it Safe event, any teen can receive a wristband to ride the bus for free for the entire week. The Play it Safe Campaign estimates that it would cost a teen $1,000 to participate in a week of planned activities that are free to them during this time.
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