Dear Cotopaxi School Community,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you of our recent awareness that there has been tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) gummies possibly being distributed, shared, and/or consumed by some junior and high school students. It has also been brought to our attention that vape pens are being shared, and utilized by some secondary students. It has been reported that this is happening in other spaces outside of school as well: community, and home.
Administration is working collaboratively with Fremont County Law Enforcement to also further investigate and with the information we have received we have notified parents and guardians should their child be possibly impacted.
In keeping our schools safe and our students healthy, please know that drugs on school grounds will not be tolerated, and as per policy JICH: Students violating this policy shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions which may include suspension and/or expulsion from school and referral for prosecution. Please also see our policy JICH-R for further information in regards to Drug and Alcohol Involvement by Students.
We understand that tackling matters as such is a community effort to keep our students safe, and healthy. Please continue to speak with your child about THC gummies, nicotine/THC vaping and its effects, and encourage your children to report to school officials anything they see that they feel could be a threat to them, their peers, or the school. Working together will keep our schools safe for our children.
Below are some additional resources:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Solvista Health (Counselor available Mondays at Cotopaxi RE-3)
Fremont/Chaffee/Custer County School Resource Guide
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13JVOgqyeMOCzApiOLRke-iVGEneEJovj9vkccWYSGgc/edit?usp=sharing
We appreciate your continuing help in speaking with your child about the dangers of drug use, and the importance of reporting.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued partnership.
Sincerely,
Jennifer J. Gonzales
Cotopaxi Schools Principal