Following the arrest of 22 students at a party involving underage drinking Friday night, Superintendent Matthew McGarrity said Orchard Park’s policies only clearly define what actions are taken against a student if an incident happens either on school property or at a school sponsored event away from the district, such as the prom.

Although East Aurora police were called to the party, the home falls within the Orchard Park School District.

Because they are minors, it is difficult to know exactly where all of the students are from who were arrested.

But what is clear is that in the wake of this incident, McGarrity believes he and the board not only need to review the case to determine if the school will take additional disciplinary action, but they also need to review its own policies on off-campus incidents.

This is a good time for the district to review and potentially update its policy.

After all, two years ago, former Superintendent Joan Thomas spearheaded a committee which propelled a forum by which parents or guardians of a student must attend once in four years in order for their child to attend school-sponsored functions.

The issue deals with dangers and signs to look for that their child may have problems with drinking and drugs.

What is unclear in this case is whether any of these students involved are members of teams or clubs.

While parents have been made clear what the expectations of them are and what signs to look for to indicate their child may have a problem, the board needs to be proactive in instituting policy changes which make the consequences of all student activities clear.

Part of going to school is receiving an education. Students at times may need to learn life lessons, and it needs to be made clear to them that if they get in trouble with the law in an off-field incident, there are consequences which must be paid.

Representing your school on a sports team or as part of a club should not be considered a right, but rather a privilege.

People, including students, are human and make mistakes. But in all walks of life, if you make a mistake, you need to pay a price for it.

If they are part of a team or club, students’ conduct on and off the field should be addressed. If a student is charged with underage drinking for example, the case should be reviewed thoroughly and suspension from the team should be an option. We hope policy changes are made.