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Modified expulsions given

By
Alexis Barker, News Edtior

An incident involving high concentrate THC at a Newcastle school resulted in the hospitalization of one student last month, and the school board has responded by expelling three students but all of them were given the opportunity to continue their education under supervision and away from other students in the district’s administration building.
 
The Weston County School District No. 1 board of trustees approved Superintendent Brad LaCroix’s recommendation to expel three students, with modification, following an incident involving illegal substances at Newcastle High School. 
 
The three students, whose identities were not revealed, will continue their education at the district office under LaCroix’s supervision. This form of modified expulsion is something the superintendent said he approached the board with roughly 15 years ago. 
 
“One thing I started to ask the board was, if there was a way we could still get the message across but do our best to keep the kids on track,” LaCroix said. “To keep them consistent with their graduation date.” 
 
The result was a modified form of expulsion that has been used previously for less-serious policy violations. This modified expulsion keeps the students out of school and away from other students, but allows them to continue their education. 
 
“ISS (in-school suspension) isn’t fun and for this long, it really isn’t fun,” LaCroix said. “This way they are aware of the consequences, but are able to work towards their diploma.”
 
“It is a difficult kind of thing. The general theme is to kick them to the curb, and everyone believes that until it is their child. Then they ask if there is something we can do,” he continued. “This is meeting in the middle. A rebound-and-move-forward-into-adult-life move.” 
 
The students in question violated the illegal substance/tobacco use policy, he said. One of the students had a severe reaction that landed the student in the emergency room. 
 
According to Police Chief Chuck Bowles, officers responded to Newcastle High School last month after a student became ill and was admitted to the hospital after vaping THC. 
 
“Our investigation revealed two additional students were in possession of illegal substances,” Bowles said. “As a reminder, vaping and any other illegal activity will not be tolerated in our community, especially our educational institutions.” 
 
He explained that the students were vaping a high concentration of THC that can have unknown side effects. 
 
“In all reality, you don’t know what you are taking when using a vape,” Bowles said, noting that kids could be inhaling nicotine or something else. “You could end up in the hospital, or worse.” 
 
When asked what parents should look for in regards to high concentrate THC, Kristi Lipp, the community prevention specialist, said she would refer parents and the newspaper to information put out by the Wyoming Prevention Action Alliance at wywetalk.org. (see breakout box)
 
“Also, check out the website for Operation Parent. I am a big fan of the information they provide and their materials,” Lipp said. “They also have a variety of educational webinars that parents and community members can join for free on a variety of topics.” 
 
She noted that she also has some of the Operation Parent handbooks in her office that are available for parents and community members. 
 
According to Bowles, the students are also facing criminal charges related to the incident.
 
Breakout Box: 
High Potency THC:
 
Common Questions and Answers
 
What are the various forms of Cannabis?
Prescription medications, hemp products, CBD products and marijuana products.
 
Marijuana is less harmful than alcohol.
Anytime a young person uses substances,
they are at an increased likelihood for addiction.
 
It’s a plant, it’s natural.
In the naturally occurring plant, THC is present at a very low percentage. People have grown marijuana to make it significantly higher in THC content. There are plenty of plants in the world that are natural but still harmful such as opium, coca leaves, ephedra, mushrooms, etc.
 
Nobody ever overdoses or dies.
While a fatal overdose is unlikely, the effects of marijuana use can be severe with symptoms including fast heart rate, increased blood pressure, severe nausea, panic, anxiety, hallucinations, extreme confusion, etc. In some cases, people will feel like they are dying and take themselves to the emergency room.
 
More information and conversation starters can be found at wywetalk.org. 

 

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