Alcohol & Substance Awareness and Support
Milford Exempted Village Schools would like to remind students, families, and community members of our policies regarding drugs, alcohol, and related substances.
This policy applies not only on school property, but also at all district-sponsored events and locations affiliated with Milford Schools, including off-campus field trips, athletic events, and graduation celebrations.
As a district, we are deeply committed to providing a safe, supportive learning environment for every student. We also want to offer families and students access to resources, education, and support. Substance use is a serious issue—and it requires a compassionate, informed response from all of us.
Our Approach: Policy + Education + Support
At Milford Schools, our policies are more than just rules—they are a reflection of our commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and substance-free environment where all students can thrive. Through clearly defined expectations, age-appropriate education, and consistent enforcement, we aim to protect student health while offering pathways to support when needed.
District Policies That Guide Our Work
Milford High School Handbook
The following are key expectations outlined in the Milford High School Student Handbook, which has been made available to all families at the beginning of the school year. You can find the full handbook by visiting here. These rules apply not only to our school campuses, but also to all events, activities, and locations affiliated with the District. They are designed to ensure a safe, respectful learning environment and to support students in making healthy, responsible choices.
Drug or alcohol possession, sale, transfer, or use on school property or at district-affiliated events will result in immediate suspension and a recommendation for expulsion. Parents and law enforcement will be notified promptly.
Tobacco and nicotine products—including cigarettes, vaping devices, smokeless tobacco, and any related paraphernalia—are strictly prohibited at all times, including during non-school hours and off-campus school events. Violations may lead to disciplinary action and a $100 fine, as outlined by Ohio Senate Bill 218.
To protect the safety of all students, school officials may search lockers, desks, backpacks, or personal items when there is reasonable suspicion of a rule or legal violation. These searches are conducted respectfully, with proper oversight, and parents are notified when appropriate.
All students and families receive these standards of conduct each year and are expected to comply with them fully. These measures are not designed to punish, but rather to promote a safe, supportive school environment where students are encouraged to make healthy decisions and grow into responsible young adults.
Support and Resources for Families
At Milford Schools, we are committed to supporting students and families through education, prevention programs, and clear policies. But research consistently shows that the most effective prevention of underage alcohol use begins at home.
The expectations, conversations, and boundaries set by parents and guardians play a major role in shaping a teen’s decisions. Teens with clear family guidelines around alcohol are far less likely to engage in early use.
Early alcohol use is strongly linked to long-term risks like dependency, impaired brain development, and increased risky behavior. A common myth suggests that allowing teens to drink under adult supervision will teach responsible use—but this is false.
According to psychologist Dr. Aaron Weiner:
Adolescents who drink with parental permission are more likely to experience alcohol-related harm later in life.
This holds true regardless of age at first drink.
The average first supervised use was just 11.58 years old, often happening earlier than parents expect.
We know parenting isn’t easy, especially in today’s world. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of free, trusted resources below to help you start conversations, set boundaries, and seek support when needed.
In our continued effort to support students and families, Milford Schools is committed to providing accessible, accurate, and trustworthy resources to the community. To further these efforts, we are exploring the opportunity to host a Community Town Hall on youth substance use, in partnership with our local police departments. If this is something you would be interested in attending, please complete the form below and select the date(s) that would work best for you. If there is sufficient interest, a session will be scheduled and held at Milford High School.
Research Links:
