Senior pupils at Westhill Academy were warned police could be involved if they took part in any disruptive behaviour on their last day.
A letter sent out to parents by head teacher Alison Reid warned fourth, fifth and sixth-year pupils not to misbehave this week.
Other potential punishments include being thrown out of sports teams and telling future employers.
She also asked parents to tell on their kids if they heard them planning any pranks.
The letter acknowledges that, before the Covid-19 pandemic, there was no disruption to classes as a result of “pranks” before study leave began.
Mrs Reid said the school appreciates that sixth-year pupils may want to “let off some steam” as they prepare to leave.
But the Aberdeenshire head is clear that that cannot interfere with the “safe running” of the school.
Mrs Reid also has concerns about former Westhill Academy pupils turning up and causing trouble and has contacted police about this.
She said: “I will be honest, although our own pupils may think that anything they have planned is light-hearted and harmless, there is a real risk of some former pupils turning up with the aim of causing trouble – just as several of them frequently do in the community.
“This means that things can quickly turn serious and require the input of Police Scotland. I have already alerted them to this possibility, and they may conduct extra patrols around the area at this time.”
Head teacher sets out potential sanctions
The letter also contains a list of potential sanctions for any pupils who are caught causing trouble and partaking in any final day pranks.
These include exclusions, not representing the school in sports teams or other events, restricting access to the school building, police action and potentially telling future employers.
Mrs Reid also asked parents to let the school know if they hear any talk among children about carrying out pranks on the day before they go on study leave.
She said: “If you become aware of any talk amongst young people concerning planned disruption or ‘pranks’ at this time, I would appreciate if you would contact the school so that we can take preventive action.”
Parent furious with letter sent out
One parent, who did want to be named, said the letter sent out to parents was “heavy-handed.”
She said she would understand the letter if the school had major issues but she feels it does not.
The parent said: “I found it very threatening and there are a lot of parents who are shocked by it.
“The children have had two years of challenges. They’ve not been able to go out with their friends and make memories.
“All the other schools in the area seem to have a muck up day on Friday and lots of the teachers joining in.
“But then the kids at Westhill are being told by our head teacher that the police will be called and I will try to ruin your future by writing to UCAS or future employers.
“I think it is a threat. It is an appalling letter to send out.”
What Aberdeenshire Council have to say
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “Leaving school and embarking on the next stage of a young person’s life journey can be a very exciting, nervous time, especially when there are still exams to sit and grades to achieve.
“‘Muck-up day’ as it has become known, can lead to that excitement bubbling over which can lead to things getting out of hand.
“In an attempt to ensure that this does not happen, our head teachers often reach out to parents to help persuade young people not to take things too far and to ensure that their time at school ends on a positive.”
It is understood there were no incidents at the school.
North-east chief inspector Jackie Knight was not specific about Westhill Academy but said the force do work alongside education officials to tackle anti-social behaviour.
She said: “Police in the North East work in close partnership with schools and local authorities to address community concerns surrounding anti-social behaviour and youth disorder.
“This takes place throughout the year and officers will investigate any reports received, taking appropriate and proportionate action as necessary.”
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