Every entrance to public school property in Fall River will soon have signage prohibiting the use of tobacco. Signs provided by the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program of the Department of Public Health have recently been installed. The signs are directed at students, faculty, staff and parents, especially during sports, theatrical and special events held on school grounds. While a "no smoking on school grounds" regulation has been in effect for many years, a  "no-possession of tobacco by students" policy was adopted by the School Committee on August 23, 2006, and distributed to parents at the beginning of the school year to ensure that they were aware of the policy. Parents have sometimes been unaware that the policy also applies after school hours. Failure to follow the regulation could result in a $100 fine which, for students only, could be rescinded upon completion of a smoking cessation program or by completion of community service if there were a financial hardship. For more information about the regulation, contact Marilyn Edge, Tobacco Control Coordinator at 508-324-2423.
 

(Top row) Senior Custodian Susan Sharpe checks the installation of signs on the fence around the Tansey Elementary School in the Highlands. (Middle row) Signs are placed at all entrances to B.M.C. Durfee High School and the nearby Spencer Borden School on President Avenue. (Bottom row, center) Tobacco Control Coordinator Marilyn Edge stands in front of one of the signs on the doors to the main entrance of Durfee High School.