By SUSAN LEATHERS
Brentwood Home Page
They happen this time every year — high school pranks, particularly of the senior class variety. Sometimes they’re harmless; sometimes -- like last April when thousands of crickets were set free inside Ravenwood High – they can cost money and prove to be a real nuisance.

In the past few days, reports of Brentwood High School senior salute signs missing across the city have been growing.

“We have had several calls throughout the city about signs being taken, but no actual reported incidents,” Capt. Tommy Walsh of the Brentwood Police Department said Tuesday. “We were notified of signs being taken from the Foxboro subdivision (Monday) night.”

While it seems to happen every year to both Brentwood and Ravenwood seniors (the signs usually show up at the rival high school), the number of signs missing in recent days has sparked concern.

 “If a suspect were to be caught in the act they could be charged with theft,” Walsh said.

The situation was deemed serious enough that Brentwood principal Kevin Keidel sent out an automated phone message to parents Tuesday night.

"As some may have heard or already experienced, our graduation yard signs have been disappearing. Please do what you can to discourage this type of activity," Keidel said. "If you know of anyone who has been involved in any way, please encourage them to return the signs to us and we will get them back to the appropriate people."

Keidel encouraged families to bring in their own signs at night.

Walsh indicated that while his department did not want to take any action, it wasn't out of the question.

“This has been an ongoing problem for the past several years. I don’t think the police department or the perpetrators want to see anyone arrested for taking a yard sign, but if it continues that could be a possibility,” Walsh said. “We would prefer that those responsible refrain from doing it now and in the future and return those signs that have already been taken.”

According to BHS parent Nancy Wild, about 50 signs had been removed as of Tuesday afternoon.

“At first it was just Brentmeade and Foxboro neighborhoods that were taken.  It has now moved to Brenthaven and some of McGavock Farms.  The parents are very angry,” said Wild, who lives in Foxboro.

Most families keep the signs up through and often beyond graduation as a tribute to their student. Arrangements have been made with a local sign company to replace them for $15 to $25 depending upon how many are ordered, but Wild noted “that’s so frustrating when we have already paid for them.”

Senior BHS parents each paid $55 at the beginning of the year to their POGS (Parents of Graduating Students) group to help pay for senior gifts, treats and the signs.

“Someone has to know something; 30-50 signs cannot just disappear into thin air. Wild said.

Walsh said he hopes the signs reappear.

“We join the parents and families in congratulating all our upcoming high school graduates. The yard signs are a great way to recognize their accomplishments and should not be taken for any reason.”

In recent weeks, the Ravenwood daily electronic newsletter has included a reminder to students and parents from the administration of the school’s policy on school pranks, and more to the point, the consequences of such actions, which can include:

• Court petition
• Community service with WCS maintenance department
• Restitution for damages
• Conference with Superintendent
• May be denied graduation participation
• Loss of extracurricular privileges
• In-school suspension or assignment to the Alternative Learning Center

“It has been our experience that almost each year we have had to sadly give one or more of these consequences to several students in the senior class,” the newsletter states. “The spring festivities and graduation are to be a joyous and happy time.  We sincerely hope that these activities will not have to be denied to any student based on his or her behavior. Thank you for your support on this matter.”