High School Drug Use Prompts K9 Search

Today  principal Alyson Geary sent out an email to parents to let them know about a drug sweep through the building.

This is the , no illegal substances were found during this search.

This year by students in the High School.

In December Youth Services Coordinator Jean Vazza presented the findings of the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey to the School Committee.

The results showed that in the past four years marijuana use has gone up 6 percent.

"Some reasons for the increase may include decriminalization along with the faulty thinking that marijuana is not addictive and is not a gateway drug,” Vazza said.

While marijuana has been decriminalized throughout the state, no only carrying a fine for possession of less than one ounce, the rules regarding drug possession in the schools have not changed. 

"Having any drugs at the school is punishable by suspension or more," Geary said in December. "The decriminalization hasn’t affected our rules.”

Today's search was a way for the school and the to maintain a safe and clean learning environment for the students.

"This sweep is a part of our on-going efforts to keep Hopkinton High School safe and drug free," the email from Geary said.

In addition to the hallways and common areas, the dogs searched the locker rooms, bathrooms and approximately 15 classrooms.

"We did not locate any illegal substances as a result of the search this morning," the email said.