WHS Principal Issues Message Ahead of Prom

With Westfield High School's senior prom fast approaching, principal Peter Renwick sent a message to parents Tuesday encouraging them to review a PowerPoint presentation that was shown to prom attendees last week.

The presentation, available here, addresses the school's guidelines for the formal dance held on Saturday, June 1. Prom will begin at 6 p.m. and attendees will not be admitted after 7 p.m. The prom ends at 11 p.m. and no one may depart before 10 p.m., according to the PowerPoint.

Further, if any attendee appears to be under the influence of drugs or alchol, chaperones have a legal obligation to immediately address the situation as it is a safety concern. 

"Your parents will be contacted to pick you up and immediately take you to the emergency room for an evaluation," the presentation states.

Renwick stated that it is the school's desire is for "these young adults to make responsible choices while having fun."

In a message to parents sent last week, Westfield Schools Superintendent Margaret Dolan wrote that in an effort to promote a "healthy and balanced lifestyle for our young adults," the administration and PTSO, recently brought nationally recognized speaker, Mike Smith, to WHS to speak with students about making healthy and wise choices. 

"Mike referenced the death of a friend in high school due to underage drinking and how this changed his life and attitude toward underage drinking and drug use," Dolan wrote. "His message was purposely timed to be delivered shortly prior to Westfield’s prom. Mr. Smith’s visit was planned by a very active club at WHS, The Dream Team, which has promoted healthy choices in our school community and sponsored a number of activities to raise awareness of issues around alcohol and drug abuse."

For more information, visit the Westfield school district's website.