Case
Student - Alcohol - Parents

A sixth grade boy is with his friends on the school bus for an environmental education outing. One boy opens his thermos and drinks the liquid. You notice the smell of wine. You say, "May I see that please?" and take the thermos. After the students leave the bus, you check the other containers. Another thermos holds whiskey. You talk to the boys, verifying possession. Another teacher drives the two boys back to school. The parents are called, and a conference is scheduled for four o'clock that afternoon. What are your thoughts about what you might do in this particular situation?

Posted on: 03/02/13 | Views: 1502
Solution #1
Top Solution
First and foremost you need to bring another teacher in as a witness and document the incident before involving parents. I would also notify administration since there may be specific instructions on how to deal with students using illegal substances or alcohol on school premises. After following these steps I would then notify the parents and inform them on what has happened and what consequences the students will face and why.

Absolutely agree, you must have a witness to be with you in that case. Parents may get defensive and start accusing them of lying. I would also inform administration, you want a strong back bone in this case. You know never what parents may or may not do.

I think a witness teacher is a great suggestion and I like this solution. Great job.

I agree that another teacher and the administration need to be consulted before action is taken.

I completely agree with this solution. I would want to present the parents with facts and get to the bottom of the situation.

Having a witness is a very smart idea.

I agree with this case study. I will utilize this information once I become a teacher.

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Solution #2
I would approach the situation gently as I possibly could because I wouldn't want to place blame on the parents who might get angry quickly. I would first start by stating the facts of what actually occurred. Then, I would questions the students as to how they acquired the alcohol and why they thought it would be a good idea to bring it on a school trip. From there I would try to brainstorm with the parents possible consequences, and ideas about how to prevent such a thing happening again. I would stress to the students and parents that alcohol in school will not be tolerated.

This is a great solution and I would use this in my classroom.

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Solution #3
First and foremost, the parents need to be made aware of their child's behavior and explain the severity of their child's actions, especially at such a young age. I would also notify the administration at the school prior to meeting with the parents in order to be more informed of the schools actions for dealing with this type of situation.

I agree with your solution. I would contact my administration first and get advice on what my next steps should be.

I do not agree with this solution. I would get the facts first then contact their parents. By the time the parents come, I want them to know exactly what is going on.

I totally agree!

I am sure that their parents know the severity of their child's actions.

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Solution #4
I would make sure not to place blame on either the student or the parents. This would only make matters worse. I would calmly ask the parents if they knew anything about their children bringing alcohol on the field trip. Then I would ask the students why they brought alcohol. Before doling out punishments, I would establish exactly what happened and explain in no uncertain terms that alcohol is not allowed on field trips and that underage drinking is a serious matter.
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Solution #5
In this situation, it is helpful to know the school's policy on contraband items. That should help a teacher take the right steps in this situation.
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Solution #6
YOu need to address this with the parents how the students could have possible got this in their possession. This is serious and if they do not seem willing to make change, you might need to take it to higher ups.
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Solution #7
Because we are mandate reporters, I would have called the social worker. This is very sensitive to me because I grew up around alcoholics. As well as access to the alcohol, there is no telling what else they may have to endure on a daily basis. I would ensure that the parents know the rules and expectations. Also, I would ask the parents if they needed help. Making sure the child is safe if the biggest priority.
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