Dear Parents/Guardians,                                                                                                           

To help prevent students from starting to use substances, and to intervene with early use, the Millbury Jr./Sr. High School nursing, and counseling staff will be providing an interview-based screening for 7th and 9th grade students about the use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs, as well as participation in other risk behaviors. This screening utilizes the most commonly used substance-use screening tool for adolescents in Massachusetts, the CRAFFT-2. 

Student screening sessions will be brief (approximately 5 minutes) and conducted confidentially in private, one-on-one sessions by the school nurse, and counseling staff. Students who are not using substances will have their healthy choices reinforced by the screener. The screener will provide brief feedback to any student who reports using substances, or is at risk for future substance use. If needed, the student will be referred to our guidance department for further evaluation and/or referral to community resources. 

Results of the screening will not be included in your student’s school record, nor will results be shared with any staff or parents without written consent of the student. No punitive measures will be taken against your child as a result of this screen. The screening is designed to help students reduce risk behaviors and reinforce healthy decisions. 

You have the right to opt your child out of this screening. If you wish to do so, please complete this opt-out form HERE. The opt-out must be received prior to May 26th. Additionally, screening is voluntary and students may choose not to answer any or all of the screening questions. Screenings will be conducted during the school day and care will be given to minimize impact on instructional time.

An effective approach to help prevent substance use is to talk with your child about your family’s thoughts and expectations regarding these risky youth behaviors. For example, research shows that parents’ influence is the #1 reason young people decide not to drink alcohol. Together, schools and parents CAN make a difference for the youth in Millbury.

Sincerely, 

Megan Lawson 

School Nurse 

mlawson@millburyschools.org

508-865-3256