BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Usually prim and proper, former Westminster High School Principal Sherri-Le Bream took five showers to get back to form following an after-prom party where she volunteered to become a human sundae.

“I always have my hair looking nice, and so that was the big thing. I was like, ‘Oh my God,’ ” Bream said. “My hair was really clean after that.”

The rare chance to pour chocolate syrup and sprinkles over the principal’s head motivated students to stay under parents’ supervision — and out of trouble — at an after-prom party.

Parents coordinate after-prom parties in Carroll, but school officials stress good behavior throughout the year to keep students from drinking alcohol or having sex after prom or other school-sponsored actives, Bream said.

“We’re always talking to students about school-sponsored events that are off our campuses. That’s just what we do,” Bream said.

To combat drinking that could occur after the dance, Howard’s police and PTA have partnered to warn students of the legal and safety consequences of drinking. In Howard County, police are increasing traffic enforcement on roads around high schools throughout Howard, especially during arrival and departure times.

Throughout Maryland, high school students, and anyone younger than 21 who buys alcohol, could face multiple criminal charges, including alcohol possession, misrepresentation of age to obtain alcohol and possession of a fake ID. Each charge carries a $500 fine, and violators must appear in court.

In Harford, chaperones judge sexually provocative dancing on a case-by-case basis, schools spokesman Don Morrison said.

And most principals are even being issued devices similar to breathalyzers, with the understanding that students who appear intoxicated can be tested, Morrison said.

After-school parties at Bel Air, C. Milton Wright and North Harford high schools have partnered with the Jones Junction auto dealership to raffle off a car in the wee hours of the morning.

msilvestri@baltimoreexaminer.com

msantoni@baltimoreexaminer.com