For the second time this week, a student at Monticello High School was hospitalized after using a THC vape pen Wednesday.
Matthew Haas, superintendent of Albemarle County Public Schools, announced the two separate incidents in a Wednesday email to parents, asking them to revisit conversations with their children about drug use.
“While I am sure this is an ongoing discussion in your home, these recent events serve as a potent reminder of the severe harm these substances can cause,” Haas wrote.
The first incident occurred Monday, Haas said, when five students left campus on a permitted lunch break. They used a THC vape pen while away, and two of them “experienced medical distress upon their return to school.” THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Staff members contacted 911, and the students were transported to the hospital. Both are now in stable condition.
The second incident occurred Wednesday and involved three students also using a THC vape pen, Haas said. Another student was transported to the hospital; they are now in stable condition.
It is not clear if it was the same group of students involved in the Monday and Wednesday incident, based on Haas’ recounting.
School is not in session on Thursday and Friday as teachers have mandatory training and then a full-day teacher workday. Haas wrote that this, as well as unsupervised lunches, can provide students opportunities to engage in drug use.
“We are seeing an increase in the availability of THC vape pens and other dangerous substances,” he wrote. “Open conversations about making responsible, healthy decisions are crucial to keeping our children safe.”
He added that the school division has school counselors that can assist parents and students.
Source: www.dailyprogress.com