• Help For Parents


    The Lancaster Central School District continues to take many positive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

    The following measures are in place to deal with alcohol and substance abuse:

    • Board of Education policy
    • Health and Wellness days
    • Health curriculum
    • School Resource Officers
    • Partnership with Lancaster Youth Bureau (SafeHomes, Peer Mediation, Youth Court, Youth Volunteer Program)
    • School counselors, psychologists, social workers
    • Family Support Center
    • Mentoring
    This network of support works together to minimize the risks and dangers in the schools.

    If a crisis situation develops at any time, contact Crisis Services immediately for assistance.
    • 24 hour helpline, 834-3131
    • Kids' helpline, 834-1144

    Don't ignore the warning signs...

    If you are suspicious your child may be using drugs, don't ignore the warning signs. Some symptoms and warning signs of drug use include:

    Changes in appearance

    • Neglected appearance/hygiene
    • Unexplained weight drop
    • Pale skin, abrasions
    • Chemical breath
    • Red or glassy eyes, frequent use of eye drops
    • Slurred speech
    • Possessing drug paraphernalia
    • Possessing unexplained valuables
    • Valuables missing


    Changes in behavior or attitude

    • Poor self image
    • Lying, deception, sneaky behavior
    • Grades dropping, truancy, skipping school
    • Verbally abusive, violent outbursts at home
    • Curfew violations
    • Running away
    • Depression, withdrawal, apathy
    • Stealing/borrowing money or items
    • Change in friends
    • Reckless behavior
    • Disrespectful/hostile to parents or family members
    • Disregards consequences
    • Loss of interest in healthy activities or interest

    If your child is caught with illegal substances, follow the school's FAMILY ACTION PLAN:

    Seek assistance immediately.

    Tell your child that you are concerned.

    • Make it clear that you will not drop the issue until it is addressed. Don't cover up for your child. If he/she is in trouble, let him experience the consequences.
    • Set clear limits. Tell your child you will not tolerate any further use of alcohol or other drugs. You expect from now on to know where he/she is going, with whom, when they'll be home. Don't negotiate, bargain, or debate.
    • Explain that you will go together to the scheduled appointment. If your child balks at the having an assessment, claiming that drugs are not a problem, you can offer reassurance that the assessment will support his/her assertion, if true, and, therefore, there should be nothing to worry about.
    • Tell your child if they don't attend the appointment you will have to make important decisions about their future without them present. If they still refuse to cooperate (that is not unusual), you can contact the juvenile court system and ask for support.
    Maintain a journal.
    Begin recording your concerns and changes in behavior that you have seen in your child. Note how many of the warning signs of drug/alcohol abuse that your child demonstrates. Jot down any thoughts about your child's history. This information will be extremely helpful to professionals your child might see.

    Keep the appointments.
    Follow-through is critical. Don't give up if things don't go the way you want–go the distance. If ignored, alcohol and drug use will progress.

    Get help for yourself.
    BILY (Because I Love You) is a confidential support group for parents who are troubled by a child of any age, for any reason. Meetings are held weekly at the Faith United Methodist Church on Broadway in Lancaster. Call Lois at 685-3567 or Donna at 685-4328.

    RESOURCES for assessment and treatment:

    Lancaster Family Support Center, 686-3806
    Anne Monin, Coordinator
    The Family Support Center works with families that have been referred by the school, or by self referral, to assist the student who is having difficulty. Working together can increase the likelihood of success in school, at home and in all aspects of a child's life.

    Horizons Human Services, 883-3708
    An outpatient clinic provides NYS certified alcoholism and chemical dependency treatment services. Services include community service, drug/alcohol treatment, education, first offender diversion, mental health treatment, and pre-trial evaluation.

    BryLin Adolescent Outpatient Center, 633-1927
    BryLin Hospitals' outpatient services are individualized within core programs for both adults and adolescents. The core program, constructed around traditional self-help groups, encourages family involvement.

    Spectrum Human Services, 662-2040
    Spectrum provides a wide range of time-efficient services targeted to those whose chemical use, including alcohol and other drugs, is interfering with their health, relationships, or functioning and to those whose lives are affected by someone else's chemical use.

    Mid-Erie Counseling and Treatment Services, 681-5077 or 895-6700
    The mission of Mid-Erie Counseling and Treatment Services is to collaborate with customers, families, and communities to promote wellness and recovery through an array of mental health and chemical dependency treatment, education, and support services.

    Lancaster Outpatient Alcoholism Clinic (Kaleida Health Network), 681-4957
    Substance abuse treatment on West Main Street in Lancaster.
    LANCASTER HIGH SCHOOL
    Administration:
    Principal, Mr. Cesar Marchioli, 686-3250
    Assistant Principal, Mrs. Terry Adamec, 686-3254
    Assistant Principal, Mr. Jamie Pernik

    School Resource Officer:
    Stacy Maute, 686-3001
    Lancaster Police Department (683-2800)

    School Counselors:
    Mrs. Megan Hewett, 686-3229
    Mrs. Rebecca O'Connor, 686-3265
    Mrs. Nancy Hejaily, 686-3264
    Mrs. Jodi Parisi, 686-3263
    Mr. Don Marchese, 686-3853
    Mrs. Claudia Tryjankowski, 686-3261
    Mrs. Danielle Len, 686-3300

    School Social Workers:
    Mr. John Shear, 686-3832 or 686-3846


    School Psychologist: