Phone: 508 597 2400

Fax: 508 597 2499

Web: www.amsacs.org
201 Forest Street, Marlboro, MA 01752

May 28, 2016

Dear AMSA High School Parents,

It has come to my attention that a number of our seniors recently participated in a party involving
underage drinking at the home of an AMSA parent. At this party, students filmed each other
consuming alcohol and chanting seriously insulting and defamatory epithets directed at a fellow
student of the senior class. This film was then disseminated to other students and the wider
public. The recipients of this film also included other high school classes at the school. School
administrators, including the Dean of Students and the Principal, have inspected this film and
positively identified a number of students, most of whom are members of the senior class.
As the leader of our school, I find these actions to be seriously wrong and very much beneath the
behavioral expectations we hold for all our students. The student targeted by the insults has been
gravely affected, as have members of her family. As you know, this sort of cyberbullying
behavior has not infrequently had tragic consequences, and will not be condoned by the school in
any way. Additionally, the behavior exhibited in the film is against the laws of the state
regarding the consumption of alcohol.
The school has notified the relevant police authorities regarding these incidents and has also
contacted the parents of the identified students. These specific senior students will be barred
from participating in the upcoming graduation ceremonies, and will receive their diplomas by
mail. One other student, who is still in attendance, will be disciplined at school.
In the coming week, the administrative team will be meeting with the three high school classes to
discuss bullying and reiterate AMSAs expectations for student conduct. Going forward, the
school continues to count on your support as we work together to raise young people who are
both intellectually developed and socially responsible.
Thank you.
Sincerely,

Joseph R. McCleary, Ph.D.

Executive Director