A Message to the Damascus High School Community
from Superintendent Jack R. Smith Ph.D.

Dear Damascus High School Parents and Guardians:
 
As spring break approaches, I want to provide you with important updates regarding the law enforcement investigation, as well as the MCPS investigation, stemming from the charges of sexual assault in the boys’ locker room on October 31, 2018.
 
Law Enforcement Investigation
 
MCPS continues to closely monitor the criminal judicial proceedings that are under way for the students being prosecuted for the assault. A Montgomery County Circuit Court judge has waived the trials of these students into juvenile court. MCPS continues to fully cooperate with law enforcement as the proceedings move forward. 
 
Additionally, as we shared in our letter in December, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office has launched an investigation into allegations of a culture of assaultive behavior, bullying or hazing at Damascus High School. As part of the State’s Attorney’s Office investigation, they have subpoenaed student records regarding any of these behaviors for all students who participated in athletics at Damascus High School from 2013 to present.    
 
These records are protected under federal and state student records laws, and MCPS must inform parents before providing documents from student records in response to such a subpoena. MCPS intends to comply with this subpoena by providing records to the State’s Attorney’s Office. It is important to know that these records may be used as part of a legal investigation or in a court proceeding.
 
A specific letter has been sent to parents or guardians of affected students.  
 
MCPS Investigation of Supervision on October 31
 
Last month, the State’s Attorney’s Office approved our request to begin an internal investigation of the supervision of the boys’ locker room on the afternoon of October 31, 2018. This investigation is under way, and we expect it to conclude in the coming weeks.  
 
Additionally, we will expand our investigation to include reporting practices and supervision of athletics and other extracurricular activities more broadly at Damascus High School, in the context of such practices and structures across MCPS. As we move forward, we will seek expert support from an external firm, and we will make sure to continue to collaborate closely with the State’s Attorney’s Office and the Montgomery County Police Department. 
 
Ensuring Student Safety 
 
In response to this incident, and to ensure students participating in athletics and after-school activities are consistently supervised while participating in school activities, MCPS has already begun to develop and implement robust enhancements to our supervision plan protocols and practices. This includes developing and submitting a formalized supervision plan for every team and club every year. Additionally, as previously shared, I have directed all coaches, athletic directors and extracurricular sponsors to meet with students at the beginning of every season and activity to discuss expectations around hazing, bullying and assaultive behavior and what role students should play in preventing and reporting this behavior. MCPS is dedicated to promoting a positive culture in our schools, on our athletic teams and in our community. 
 
We remain committed to supporting the Damascus High School students, staff and community during this difficult period. We know that news of these investigations may cause anxiety among some of our students. Please know that we are here to support them. As we did previously, additional counselors will be available at the school this week to support our students. 
 
Sincerely,

Jack R. Smith, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools