Bedford Area School District Press Release                                                                                                   May 15, 2018

 

At approximately 7:45 this morning a student was found to be ill outside the back door of Bedford Area High School.  Due to decisive and skilled action by teachers, administrators, and the school nurse the student received prompt and appropriate care.  The student was transported to UPMC Bedford Memorial and is in stable condition.   Immediate reports by caring peers suggested the student had used a synthetic cannaboid know as K2.  Upon investigation this was found to be accurate.  The immediate source of the illegal substance was identified by numerous witnesses.  As always the school and law enforcement will follow due process, but if the preliminary information is collaborated, the Bedford Area School District will take all legal actions to protect our students from the perils of drugs and to provide additional support to educate and counsel students and parents.  Charges will also be sought in the justice system.  Although we know drugs are a part of society and, of course schools, we will do all we can when we are aware to stop and appropriately punish any perpetrator distributing or using these substances.  The Bedford Area School District is committed to the safety of our students first and foremost. 

Parents and those close to our students, please take this unfortunate incident as an opportunity to talk to your children about the dangers of this and all drugs.  Not only are drugs dangerous in their own right, but you can be assured those involved in the production and distribution of these chemicals are not interested in the purity and accuracy of labeling.  When you ingest illicit drugs they are not only inherently dangerous, but you never know exactly what you are ingesting.  Please monitor your children for changes in behavior, mood, and friend circles.  They may also withdraw from school and family activities, change sleep patterns, and clothing choices.  Talk to them and help them to avoid the very real and scary possibilities of drug use.  If you see any of these issues don’t hesitate to contact your school counselors or one of the local agencies who are ready to assist with these issues.  Contact information is listed below. 

In an effort to help parents here is some additional important information about drug use:

Behavioral Changes

  • Has changed relationships with family members or friends
  • Often uses over-the-counter preparations to reduce eye reddening or nasal irritation
  • Avoids eye contact
  • Locks doors
  • Makes secretive phone calls
  • Makes endless excuses
  • Exhibits uncharacteristically loud, obnoxious behavior
  • Laughs at nothing
  • Has become unusually clumsy: stumbling, lacking coordination, poor balance
  • Disappears for long periods of time
  • Has periods of sleeplessness or high energy, followed by long periods of “catch up” sleep

Mood & Personality Shifts

  • Exhibits mood changes or emotional instability
  • Sullen, withdrawn, depressed
  • Shows loss  of inhibitions
  • Silent, uncommunicative
  • Hostile, angry, uncooperative
  • Deceitful or secretive
  • Less motivated
  • Unable to focus
  • Hyperactive
  • Unusually elated

Hygiene & Appearance Problems

  • Smell of smoke or other unusual smells on breath or on clothes
  • Messy appearance
  • Poor hygiene
  • Red, flushed cheeks or face
  • Track marks on arms or legs (or long sleeves in warm weather to hide marks)
  • Burns or soot on fingers or lips (from “joints” or “roaches” burning down)

Health Issues

  • Unusually tired
  • Lethargic movement
  • Unable to speak intelligibly, slurred speech, or rapid-fire speech
  • Nosebleeds
  • Runny nose, not caused by allergies or a cold
  • Frequent sickness
  • Sores, spots around mouth
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Wetting lips or excessive thirst (known as “cotton mouth”)
  • Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
  • Skin abrasions/bruises
  • Accidents or injuries
  • Depression
  • Headaches
  • Sweatiness

School Concerns

  • Absenteeism or loss of interest
  • Loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies or sports
  • Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school or work

If you have any suspicions your child may be using drugs/alcohol, please contact Guidance Counselors:

Bedford Elementary School Counselor: 814-623-4221

Bedford Middle School Counselor:  814-623-4200

Bedford High School Counselors:  814-623-4250

or Personal Solutions, Inc. 814-623-5009.  There is also a 24 hour hotline 1-800-662-HELP