Outback Center Issues Statement on Drunk Youths, Calls for Parent Meeting

On Monday, New Canaan Police Sgt. Carol Ogrinc detailed an incident that occurred on Friday night in which half-a-dozen teens were sent home or to the hospital after displaying outward signs of intoxication. By Monday evening, administration at the Outback Center issued a statement regarding the incident and called for a parent meeting Tuesday night. You can find the full contents of that letter below:

Tomorrow night, there will be a parent discussion regarding the underclassmen dance held at the Outback.

Underclassmen Dance - October 25, 2013
The Student Governing Board traditionally has sponsored underclassmen dances as part of their leadership and social program.

At the Outback we strive to be a location for fun, alcohol and drug-free social events.  Each participant is expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct at the Outback which they sign upon arrival and is published on our website along with our party protocols.

Last Friday night we had just over 200 9th and 10th graders at the Outback between 8 pm and 10 pm for music and dancing. With 9 staff members and adult chaperones and 2 policemen we strictly followed our policy of a 20 to 1 ratio for these large events.  

Prior to the dance the inside of the building was inspected thoroughly for contraband. All garbage containers, bookshelves, furniture, and the bathrooms were inspected for signs of alcohol and drugs. Coats, bags and purses were checked at the door.  All containers were disposed of at the door. We worked hard to ensure that our building was free of substances.

In addition, we followed our protocol where by both staff and police observed student behavior upon entering the building with a policeman stationed outdoors as well as one just inside the entrance. Additional staff monitored students within the building. 

All entrances and exits were monitored steadily throughout the evening. Any child suspected of intoxication was breathalyzed, parents were notified and depending on the level of intoxication the student was either sent home with an adult or to the hospital in the ambulance. 

The majority of the students attending behaved appropriately and had a good time on the dance floor. Sadly, after the party started a number of young people began to manifest signs of alcohol use and needed to be escorted home or to the hospital once breathalyzed.  

The support of both the police and the EMS was incredible and all adults involved worked diligently for the safety and health of everyone in attendance. With the numerous violations of our Code of Conduct at the party, the dance was ended one hour earlier than planned.

The Board of the Outback believes that the issues surfacing at this latest occasion must be addressed by not only the Outback, but by the community. To that end, we will be sponsoring two follow-up events:

Tuesday, October 29th:  Parents Meeting, 7:30 pm at the Outback
 
Friday, November 1st:  Community Service Providers Meeting, 1:00 pm at the Outback

We sincerely hope that interested and committed parties will attend.
Please contact the Outback for additional information.
  
Sincerely,
Catharine Sturgess, Interim Director
Outback