Andover High School's Final Homecoming: What Not To Do

Andover High School Principal Rob Durecka certainly wants this weekend's homecoming festivities — the last in school history — to be memorable. Just for the right reasons.

On Tuesday, he issued a reminder to students and parents about appropriate behavior throughout the week, and that the student Code of Conduct will be strictly enforced. While students are encouraged to zealously participate in spirit week activities and Friday's student pep rally, inappropriate comments, as well as wearing shirts that violate the Code of Conduct's Dress Code won't be tolerated, he said.

"While we want our students to have fun during Spirit Week, please remind them to dress appropriately," he wrote in an e-mail to parents.

Durecka also addressed the rumored "Freshman Friday," when upperclassmen may "unwisely" choose to play pranks on ninth-graders, he described.

"If harassment should occur, it is imperative that the student reports the incident to a school employee immediately. The situation will be dealt with quickly and effectively," he wrote.

The Dance

The final homecoming dance in school history due to the planned merger with Lahser to the Bloomfield Hills High School in 2013 is from 7-10 p.m. Saturday in the gym. Students must arrive by 8 p.m. to be admitted and chaperones will be in attendance.

Durecka highlighted other areas of concern from past experience:

• Limousines: Though it is a common practice for students to hire limousines for transportation, he strongly discouraged it because it promotes a notion of "safe drinking." Durecka said all limousines will be searched for contraband, and officers in attendance from the Bloomfield Township Police Department could impose both preliminary breath tests and alcohol Breathalyzers on students that appear to be under the influence.
• Sleepovers: In the past, some seniors have spontaneous "sleepovers" at a student's home that can also be linked to alcohol consumption, he said while urging parents not to allow such parties.

For More:

• Andover's 2011 Homecoming Crowd Celebrates Students of the Present and Past
• Photo Gallery: Andover's Homecoming Dance 2011