November 5, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 3 FLOW Area Superintendent expresses concern about alcohol use by Frank J. McMahon Ramapo Indian Hills High School Dis- trict Superintendent Beverly MacKay has sent a letter to parents, guardians, and stu- dents to remind them that underage drink- ing is against the law and any student found to be under the influence of alcohol or other illegal substances will be subject to both school and legal consequences. “While these penalties may hurt, they are minimal when compared to the more serious consequences of alcohol use, and abuse, by minors and, as a community, we must be vigilant about the dangerous behaviors in which our children are taking part,” MacKay said. Mackay pointed out that, over the pre- vious two weekends, three students who were intoxicated to the point of needing medical attention were taken by ambu- lance from high school football games. “Unfortunately, this culture of drink- ing and partying prior to school events is not just a problem facing our school dis- trict, but a problem facing school districts all over the county, state, and nation,” MacKay emphasized. “However, my pri- mary concern is our district and the safety of our students, parents, and community members who attend our games and other school events and activities.” MacKay issued a reminder that alcohol consumption on school property by anyone of any age is against the law, and parents and friends may not engage in any type of tailgating or partying on school property, including the school district’s parking lots, if there is alcohol being consumed and/or served. “Under no circumstance may any individual or community group consume or serve alcohol on school premises,” MacKay emphasized. She also advised that, effective imme- diately, the local police departments will be actively enforcing the law to ensure that the district’s campuses are drug and alcohol free. “We must all do our part in providing for a healthy and safe environment for our students,” MacKay said. “Parents and families are encouraged to attend our ath- letic competitions and enjoy socializing with friends and the community, while they model a healthy lifestyle for our stu- dents. “For the health and safety of our stu- dents, please join with our high school administrators, teachers, and coaches to help promote a culture where athletic competitions are about the game and not about the pre-game party.” According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, under- age drinking occurs when anyone under the minimum legal drinking age of 21 drinks alcohol, and it is a risk that attracts many developing adolescents and teens. The organization notes that, when young people try alcohol, they often do not real- ize the damaging effects drinking can have on their own lives, their families, and their communities. The institute notes that, in 2009, about 10.4 million people between ages 12 and 20 drank more than “just a few sips” of alcohol and, as kids get older, they drink more. By age 15, half of teens have had at least one drink. By age 18, more than 70 percent of teens have had at least one drink. On average, young people have about five drinks on a single occasion, which can be considered “binge drinking.” The NIH also reports that 5,000 people under age 21 die each year from alcohol- related car crashes, homicides, suicides, alcohol poisoning, and other injuries such as falls, burns, and drowning. In addition, more than 190,000 people under age 21 visited an emergency room for alcohol- related injuries in 2008 alone. The NIH states that drinking can cause kids to make poor decisions, which can then result in risky behavior like drinking and driving, sexual activity, or violence. Young people who drink are more likely to carry out, or be the victim of, a physical or sexual assault. According to the NIH, research shows that brain development continues well into a person’s twenties and alcohol can affect that development, and contribute to a range of problems.