Dear Parents & Guardians:

Yesterday and today the members of both the Class of 2013 and 2014 have been exposed to a truly dynamic and thought provoking program entitled "Every Fifteen Minutes" which comes to SMCHS every two years through a grant from the California Highway Patrol and focuses on the seriousness and consequences that result from drinking and driving. While only the upper two classes have the opportunity this year, I am including this message with the weekly Eagle Update so that all may have an understanding of what has taken place. I mentioned that this program takes place every two years thus every SM student has the opportunity to see the program once during their high school years.

Yesterday the students witnessed a very realistic 'mock crash' scene on Alas de Paz. The accident was designed to be after a prom and following the students attending an 'after party'. SM students are the 'actors' and through the grant many first responders and other agencies participate adding to the reality. During the day yesterday, every 15 minutes, a prearranged student was removed from various classes signifying the national statistic that every 15 minutes in our nation someone is killed or seriously injured in a drinking-driving accident. Today the upper classes attend an assembly where speakers, including students removed from classes, help drive home the message. I encourage all parents to have a dialogue with their sons and daughters on this very important and potentially life altering topic.

At this joyous time of prom and graduation may we all join together as the Santa Margarita community of faith to pray that our Lord will provide the Divine protection needed by our students on a daily basis; that He will help them understand that life is fragile and they are not indestructible. May our prayer be: "Lord Jesus, keep all of our students within your love, Caritas Christi and help them make wise decisions now and always, Amen."