September 3, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians and ELHS Supporters,

Since January of 2008, our school has initiated a new anti-drug/crime campaign called the Bounty Hunter program.  This program has been commended by Alabama Governor Bob Riley and is the first of its kind to target individual drug use, drug distribution, and weapons in the school setting. This program allows our students to take an active role in the reporting process.  Bounty Hunter has given our students a sense of ownership and pride in our school and its war against drugs and violence.  The success of this program has been phenomenal. Already, we have distributed over fifteen hundred dollars in reward money to those students who have joined the fight.

Under the guidelines of this program, students can receive up to a one hundred dollar reward for information that leads to the conviction of those students found guilty of drug or weapon crimes while at school.  All rewards are distributed to the students with the utmost discretion and privacy as not to divulge their identity. Due to state laws governing the distribution of school funds to individuals for rewards, we rely completely on donations from supporters to supply the funds needed for the continued success of this program. 

Those students found guilty of such behaviors are not just "kicked to the curb".  Normally, on the first offense, students are placed in an alternative school setting located at the Judy Jester Learning Center in Moulton.  This alternative school is called the Center of Opportunity for Problem Students or C.O.P.S. for short.  While at C.O.P.S., students receive academic studies, as well as drug and related counseling, to help them identify and correct causes of possible triggers that lead to unacceptable behavior. We, at East Lawrence High School, have discovered it is much easier to "fix a child" than it is to "rebuild an adult".

Any contribution will be much appreciated and used wisely.  All monies donated will go to the reward program and will never be used for administrative costs.  We desperately need your support in order to keep this vital program alive and well. Donations may be brought to the school or sent to:

Bounty Hunters

c/o East Lawrence High School

55 County Road 270

Trinity, AL   35673

Please help us help our children. 

Ricky Nichols

Principal ELHS