Safety & Security New Year Announcement

December 22, 2022

Dear Families of Holly Area Schools,  

There is nothing more important than the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff and families.  This remains our number one priority and is the reason for my communication today before our holiday break. 

I am asking you to join me in making the 2023 New Year’s resolution to help us promote the health and safety of our school community.  Over winter break, I strongly encourage you to have conversations with your students about drugs/controlled substances; student threats; and firearm safety. 

Earlier this week, I sent a letter and resources to our families about the dangers of edibles (gummies), vape products, or other drug-related products.  These illegal substances are a significant concern to the health of our students and can dramatically impact their future through school consequences and criminal penalties.  As part of our continued commitment to the safety of our school environment, students selling or attempting to distribute drugs/controlled substances will be taken before the Board of Education and face serious disciplinary consequences up to expulsion. 

Consistent with our school protocols and procedures, at Holly Area Schools we take all threats on school property, on our buses or on social media seriously. We address each incident in accordance with district policies working closely with law enforcement.  I’m also asking our parents to talk to their students about the things they say or communicate to others. Any comments or gestures that are of a threatening nature will be investigated thoroughly by our administration and law enforcement and can carry serious disciplinary consequences including expulsion and criminal penalties. 

As always, we encourage our students, staff, and parents to report any threats to local police and school administration and we commend those who have alerted us to these situations. 

Here is an important video message regarding school threats from our Oakland County Sheriff.  

Lastly, I would like to remind our families that gun safety must be a priority in every Michigan home. All guns should be locked up and stored safely.  It is imperative that gun owners teach their children about gun safety including the potential legal consequences, or worse the deadly consequences, associated with irresponsible or unauthorized gun usage. In compliance with the federal Gun-Free Schools Act, possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon is considered a mandatory permanent expulsion from all schools in Michigan. 

These are conversations all of us must have with our youth.  As parents are talking with their children, district leaders will be increasing their engagement with our parent leaders and students around these critical topics.  It is important that we spread this message.  As we noted in the past, our students feel a consistent level of support and are given a uniform message regarding health and safety when schools and parents work together. 

In closing, I want to express my sincere thanks to our students, staff, and parents for not only hearing this message, but embracing it.  In the past year, many students and parents have responded to us by sharing information about potentially harmful acts or comments.  It is working.  We are making a difference together.  Thank you for supporting each other. 

On behalf of Holly Area Schools, I’d like to wish our entire Broncho community a happy and safe holiday break. 

It is an honor serving as your Superintendent.  

Working together, we are #BronchosUnited.   

Sincerely,

Scott Roper, Superintendent – Holly Area Schools
Jerry Narsh, Chief of Police – Village of Holly 

HAS Safety & Security New Year Announcement