Parents at a Texas elementary school have raised concerns after discovering that teachers may have given their children sleep aids disguised as stickers.
At Northgate Crossing Elementary in Spring, Texas, several pre-K students reportedly received "sleepy stickers" which are believed to contain melatonin, a hormone used to regulate sleep, Today reported.
Lisa Luviano, a concerned parent, first learned of the issue in September when her daughter, Layne, brought one such sticker home. Layne described the sticker as something she received during nap time at school to help her sleep. This revelation prompted Luviano to investigate further as her daughter had been displaying unusual mood swings and sleeping difficulties since the start of the school year.
Upon confirming that the sticker Layne brought home was similar to over-the-counter sleep patches, Luviano contacted the Northgate Elementary administration. The school swiftly responded by informing the district police and placing the involved teachers on administrative leave, a decision extended to two classroom paraprofessionals as a precaution.
Describing the actions taken, a spokesperson from the Spring Independent School District articulated the gravity of the situation and confirmed the ongoing criminal investigation. The district committed to handling the matter with the seriousness it warranted and immediately removed the implicated staff from their duties.
News that teachers may have administered sleep aids without parental consent shocked other parents. Melissa Gilford, whose daughter also reported receiving the patch, joined Luviano in holding the school accountable. The incident severely shook Gilford's trust in the school, leading her to demand a reevaluation of how teachers handle student welfare.
Superintendent Lupita Hinojosa addressed the incident, describing it as "deeply troubling" and a direct violation of district policies that forbid giving any medication to students without proper procedures. Hinojosa reaffirmed the district’s zero-tolerance policy for actions endangering student safety and assured parents that rigorous steps are being taken to prevent future incidents.
The outrage among parents grew as they felt the initial responses from the school were insufficient. Luviano and other affected parents sought further action, including the pursuit of criminal charges against the teachers involved. Luviano stressed the importance of not merely addressing the incident internally but also holding those responsible accountable in a manner visible to the public and legal systems.
Meanwhile, Superintendent Hinojosa issued several statements apologizing for the breach of trust and ensuring that the district was cooperating fully with the police investigation. She reiterated the district's policy of safeguarding children and acknowledged the severity of administering melatonin to students without parental consent.
Additionally, experts compounded concerns about the safety of melatonin use in children. Dr. Joel Gator Warsh, a pediatrician, emphasized that although melatonin is generally safe, consulting a healthcare provider is essential before administering it, as potential side effects may include headaches, mood changes, and alterations in sleep patterns.
Furthermore, health professionals advised parents not to give children any supplements without proper guidance, reflecting a broader concern about the risks of unsupervised access to medications that could negatively impact children's health.
In light of recent events, the incident at Northgate Crossing Elementary serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining stringent policies regarding student health and safety. As a result, the school district now faces the challenge of restoring trust and ensuring such incidents do not recur, safeguarding the well-being of its students and upholding the ethical standards expected by the community.
