School Teachers Accused of Giving Small Children Sleep Aids

Two Texas elementary school teachers face serious allegations of administering melatonin stickers to young students without parental consent, sparking outrage and an ongoing investigation.

At a Glance

Two teachers at Northgate Crossing Elementary School in Texas are accused of giving melatonin stickers to students.
Parents reported behavioral changes in their children and unauthorized use of “sleeping stickers” during school hours.
The school district has placed two teachers and two paraprofessionals on administrative leave pending investigation.
The incident is under police investigation, and parents are seeking criminal charges.
The stickers, known as Sleep ZPatch, contain melatonin and are intended for people over 18.

Unauthorized Use of Sleep Aids in Elementary School

A troubling incident has come to light at Northgate Crossing Elementary School in Texas, where two teachers are accused of administering melatonin-containing stickers to young students without parental knowledge or consent. The situation has raised serious concerns about student safety and the unauthorized use of sleep aids in an educational setting.

The stickers in question, known as Sleep ZPatch, are intended for individuals over 18 and are not approved for use on children. Parents began noticing behavioral changes in their children and discovered that these “sleeping stickers” were being applied during school hours, affecting the students’ moods at home.

Shady Texas teachers under investigation for giving preschoolers melatonin ‘sleeping stickers’ to ‘keep them quiet’ https://t.co/zP1MVy8aZN pic.twitter.com/Jc9sUYQlwp

— New York Post (@nypost) October 10, 2024

Parent’s Discovery and Action

Lisa Luviano, the mother of a 4-year-old student, uncovered the issue when her child returned home with a sticker labeled for “sleeping time.” Alarmed by this discovery, Luviano promptly reported the incident to school administrators and sought to file criminal charges. Initially, the school district reportedly did not take immediate action, prompting Luviano to alert other parents via mass text.

Other concerned parents, including Najala Abdullah, also noticed unusual changes in their children’s behavior and reported the issue to authorities. This collective action from parents ultimately led to a more comprehensive investigation into the matter.

School District’s Response and Investigation

In response to the growing concerns and mounting evidence, the school district has taken action. Two teachers and two paraprofessionals have been placed on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation. The district emphasized its commitment to student safety and stated that the teachers had violated policy by administering medication without proper authorization.

The Spring Independent School District’s police department is now conducting an official investigation into the incident. The district has reiterated its policy, which strictly prohibits giving any unauthorized substances to students, regardless of the intent.

Parental Concerns and Ongoing Impact

The incident has left many parents feeling betrayed and concerned about their children’s well-being. Melissa Gilford, another parent involved, confirmed that her child recognized the sticker when shown a picture.

As the investigation continues, parents are demanding answers and accountability. The use of sleep aids on young children without parental consent raises significant ethical and legal concerns, and the community is closely watching how the school district and law enforcement will address this serious breach of trust.

Broader Implications for School Safety

This incident at Northgate Crossing Elementary School serves as a stark reminder of the importance of clear communication between schools and parents, especially regarding any substances or treatments administered to children. It also highlights the need for rigorous oversight and adherence to established policies to ensure the safety and well-being of students in educational settings.