SMOKING STUDENTS FACE FINES: PLYMOUTH SCHOOL OKS CONTROVERSIAL PROGRAM

ROB ROGERS
Quincy, Mass.
The Patriot Ledger
Feb 27, 2001

To fight a problem they say is out of control, educators at Plymouth South High School plan to fine students caught smoking.

The school committee last night approved a controversial pilot program, which will begin March 12 and last through the first semester of the next school year.

Parents, teachers, administrators and students at Plymouth South told committee members that tougher measures are needed reduce tobacco use at the school.

"A lot of kids smoke, but the majority don't. Yet they're still affected on a daily basis by smoking," said Jillian Spangler, a junior. "We need a change. The threat of detention doesn't work. These fines will hit kids where it hurts the most."

Students caught using tobacco on school grounds, in school vehicles or at school-sponsored functions will either pay a $50 fine or receive eight days' detention with parent notification.

PLYMOUTH STUDENT SMOKERS FACE $100 FINES

Brockton (MA) Enterprise
Feb 27, 2001

Students caught smoking at Plymouth South High School will soon face fines of up to $100 or up to 12 days of extended detention.

The pilot program, believed to be the first in the region, was voted by the School Committee Monday for implementation on March 12 only at Plymouth South, one of the two public high schools in town.

"Smoking in our school is out of control," said Jillian Spangler, a member of the school's Student Council.

She said the money collected in fines should be used to repair student bathrooms, where toilet seats resemble burned ashtrays, and walls are permeated with smoke.

"Fines really hit students where it hurts the most," she added.