South Central
High School
Homecoming-Advice and Tips for Parents
David Scott
Principal
Kim Smith
Guidance
Counselor
Rick Simmons
Athletic Director
For most parents and students, this is a time of great joy –Homecoming is this
weekend, the weather is great, athletics are in full stride. As the principal, I
am asking you now to commit to something that is dear to your heart – your
children. It is time for parents of all classes – freshmen through seniors – to
make a commitment that you will not condone, rationalize, or look past
teenagers using alcohol and/or drugs. This should be a commitment all year
long – 24 hours a day. The reason it is emphasized here is that the incidence
of usage is greater during Homecoming and Prom.
As a parent, you have a right to know where your son or daughter will
be before and after games, dances, pep assemblies, etc. You have a right to
call any parent who is “chaperoning” a party to inquire if adult supervision
will be present and if alcohol or drugs will be permitted.
You have a right to call the police or school officials if you hear that a
party will be taking place in which alcohol or drugs will be present. You have
a right to know where your child will be at all times and a right to expect him
or her home at a time designated by you.
I have enclosed “Party Tips for Parents and Teens.” I have found
parents have found it helpful in the past. Is there any reason why an adult
would take a chance – legally, ethically, morally – of allowing a teenager to
use alcohol or drugs?
Let’s work together before Homecoming to frankly discuss parental
guidelines with your children. It’s times like these that being a parent is more
important than being a “buddy.” As parents, please communicate with your
daughters and sons now about their plans before and after the Homecoming
dance. Only trouble can come from parties involving alcohol and other drugs.
Please do not rationalize illegal and unethical conduct by providing a socalled “safe environment” for drinking and smoking. There simply is no logic
to support that.
We must work together to attack this serious problem. Let’s not take
the position “nothing can be done.” Let’s not take the position that it’s the
school’s problem. The bottom line is that it is our community’s problem. It
must be faced in a strong manner. We will do our job during the school
activities and dance. Please help us with some common sense rules for your
children before and after the Homecoming dance on Saturday. Your child is
precious and vulnerable at the same time.
800 West Washington
RR 2 Box 9-1
Farina, Illinois 62838
Phone: (618) 245-3363
Fax: (618) 245-6165
I have attached a copy of our Homecoming Week Activities leading up to the
Homecoming Dance-Saturday Night-7:00pm Coronation-December 10th
South Central
High School
Party Tips for Parents and Teens
When Parents leave town:
Homes where parents are absent are frequent party sites.
When parents must be out of town:
Inform teenagers of their responsibilities and consequences of their
actions. There is extreme pressure put on teenagers whose parents are
away to open up their homes for a party.
 Have a responsible adult live in your home during your absence.
Explain your family policy and rules for parties to this adult.
 Inform your neighbors of your absence. Give a phone number and
request they contact you or a responsible adult, or even the police, if a
party occurs.
 Let the parents of your teen’s friends know of your absence.
Cooperation is essential and valuable.
When your Teenager Attends a Party:
 Know where your teenager will be. Obtain the phone number and
address of the party giver. Agree that your teenager will call if he goes
to another location.
 Personally contact the parents of the party-giver. When you call:
verify the occasion, offer support or assistance, make sure an adult will
be present, and be certain that alcohol and other drugs will not be
permitted.
 Know how your teenager will get to and from the party. Let your teen
know that you, or a specified friend or neighbor, can be called if a ride
home is needed for any reason. Discuss with your teenager the
situations which might make such a call necessary. Reinforce that
under no circumstances should your teenager allow someone who has
been taking drugs or drinking alcohol to drive them anywhere.
 Determine with your teenager a reasonable curfew. Be awake or have
your teen awaken you upon arrival home. Being up and available
when your teen comes home encourages communication and could
alert you to a potential problem.
 If your teenager stays overnight with a friend after the party,
personally check with the parents. Be sure they will be home and want
your teen to stay over. Spontaneous “sleep-over” arrangements should
always be confirmed with the host parents.
When Your Teenager Hosts a Party:
 Agree to rules ahead of time. Rules to include: no alcohol or other
drugs, no “open house” style party, no leaving the party and then
returning, party is limited to appropriate areas of house.
 Notify your neighbors of the party. Have teen tell neighbors about the
party and that it will be supervised.
 Be home. Be visible. Be Aware.
We want this to be the greatest Homecoming ever. We want it to be
filled with smiles and laughter, not tears and sorrow. Let’s work together for
our students!

David Scott
Principal
Kim Smith
Guidance
Counselor
Rick Simmons
Athletic Director
800 West Washington
RR 2 Box 9-1
Farina, Illinois 62838
Phone: (618) 245-3363
Fax: (618) 245-6165