Earlier this week, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office reported charges were pending investigations into two underage parties on New Year’s Eve–one near Coon Rapids and the other near Roselle. In addition to the legal ramifications, local teenagers are facing school-related sanctions as well. Coordinator for Student Services for the Carroll Community School District, Larry Lesle, says their good conduct policy has been in place for years and gets “revamped” by the board periodically.
Lesle explains that it is not only the time span. For instance, if a student self-reports, they will sit out two weeks and two performances. This includes band, drama, FFA, any activities. As a former Manning Chief of Police, Lesle works closely with law enforcement on a daily basis on a variety of student-related issues. Especially in cases like this. The investigation, he says, is not done yet.
Principal of Kuemper Catholic High School, Pete Haefs, says they have similar rules in place for students. And, like a large number of schools, this includes a zero tolerance policy.
As a student representative of the school, Haefs says that they have added a community service aspect for those who are not involved in extra-curricular activities. Kuemper also has a self-reporting clause that will result in the reduction of penalties if the students come forward and claim responsibility.
Haefs says they have had about 18 students self-report, but they are still waiting for details from law enforcement, which are starting to come in now. Both Lesle and Haefs say they realize there are a lot of challenges and pressures in high school. However, the teens need to understand that actions such as this are not necessary to express who they are or to enjoy their adolescence. This needs to be a learning experience, Lesle says, and the students need to understand they may have let down a teammate or classmate. It is about actions having repercussions that impact everyone around you. Students who find themselves in these situations can self-report to their activities director or to the principal of their school. Copies of the good conduct policies are readily available on their websites.
