A kindergarten teacher at Pine Forest Elementary School in Humble, Texas, has resigned after giving melatonin gummies to special education students, as confirmed by Humble Independent School District officials. The incident, which occurred on September 28, raised concerns among parents and authorities, leading to a thorough investigation.
Melatonin, commonly used as an over-the-counter sleeping aid, is categorised as a dietary supplement and is not regulated as a drug by the Food and Drug Administration. The teacher distributed the melatonin gummies to a few special education students without obtaining parental consent or notifying school administration and the nurse, violating the district’s protocols and policies.
Upon discovering the incident, the school district conducted an investigation, concluding that the teacher acted independently without seeking permission. “The teacher’s actions were unacceptable,” stated Jamie Mount, the spokesperson for Humble Independent School District. “We are appalled that the teacher made this decision.”
The school district promptly informed the parents of the affected students about the incident. According to Mount, all students involved were in good health despite the unauthorised administration of melatonin.
In response to the incident, the district reported the matter to the local police, the State Board for Educator Certification, and Child Protective Services. The teacher in question chose to resign, which, according to Mount, was the swiftest and most efficient way to address the situation. Terminating a teacher’s contract involves a lengthier process due to state education code requirements.
The incident has sparked concerns among parents and the community, raising questions about the safety protocols and supervision within the school. The Humble Independent School District Police and the Texas Education Agency’s State Board for Educator Certification are currently investigating the matter further.
While melatonin is generally considered safe for short-term use in most children, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the incident has ignited a conversation about the responsibility of educators and the need for stringent oversight to ensure the well-being of students under their care.
Kiki Garba
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