Texas Elementary School Investigates Allegations of Teachers Distributing Sleeping Aids

An elementary school in Spring, Texas, is under scrutiny following allegations that teachers gave students sleeping aid patches disguised as stickers. According to the Spring Independent School District (SISD), the incident occurred on September 24, and those involved were immediately placed on administrative leave awaiting a police investigation.

The administration at Northgate Crossing Elementary School was alerted by a parent who reported that their child received a sleeping aid patch from a teacher while in class. “Upon learning of the allegation, the teachers in that classroom were immediately removed and placed on administrative leave,” noted the district’s statement shared with media outlets, including The Independent. In precaution, two paraprofessionals in the classroom were also placed on leave.

Angry parents criticized the school for the delay in communication, asserting that they were notified about the investigation only two weeks after the incident. Lisa Luviano, a concerned parent, told ABC Houston that her daughter brought home a sticker depicting a moon, stars, and clouds, and described it as a “sleeping sticker” given by her teacher during sleep time.

Najla Abdullah, another parent, confirmed similar accounts and reported behavioral changes in her son, including increased crying and uneaten lunches. “They’re giving them drugs to make them sleep to keep them quiet,” Abdullah expressed her frustrations to the press.

The district’s Board Policy FFAC clearly prohibits the administration of any form of medication or supplements to students by staff members without explicit authorization. The policy faced breach, prompting the ongoing investigation by the Spring ISD Police Department.

SISD vowed to uphold the safety of students and expressed its commitment to addressing every allegation of educator misconduct seriously. Carmen Roe, a legal analyst, suggested that although the actions may not hold criminal charges, there could be grounds for civil cases against the teachers or the school district, despite the civil immunity protections that Texas law provides for educators and institutions.

As the investigation continues, parents remain concerned about the implications of the alleged actions and await further updates from school officials.