UPDATE: School district investigating after eight-year-old Kelowna boy 'intoxicated' | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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UPDATE: School district investigating after eight-year-old Kelowna boy 'intoxicated'

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Jeremy Mills
Original Publication Date September 14, 2019 - 10:57 AM

KELOWNA - School District 23 officials are investigating after an eight-year-old Grade 3 student became 'intoxicated' after ingesting something he found at school.

School superintendent Kevin Kaardal said in a release this afternoon they remain unaware what the substance is or how it got into the school.

"Our teachers and administrators care deeply about their students, and we always strive to maintain safe spaces for learning," said Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. "It was understandably distressing for the family and the school community to see a young child showing signs of intoxication, which prompted the ongoing investigation of the incident."

The boy's father, Jeremy Mills, said in a Facebook post last night his son was rushed to the emergency room when he suddenly couldn't speak or move. He has since recovered and told police he ate something. Mills included a photo of what appears to be pink or red crumbs in the bottom of a plastic bag. He suggests in the post that it might be drugs. 

In his release however, Kaardal makes no mention of that photo or if the school has a sample to test. He said the RCMP was notified, the classroom was cleared and thoroughly cleaned and inspected by District Occupational Health and Safety officials.

Meanwhile Kaardal urged parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of eating things from unknown sources. 

"We are grateful for the close support of the RCMP and the attending pediatrician as they share information with us so we can fully understand this incident," Kaardal said. "While educators teach an abundance of caution to children, including not sharing lunches or medications, we want to remind parents to have these discussions as well."

Mills said he has spoken to his son about drugs before but notes this is much different — finding something in his "safe place" in his own classroom.

"I wanted to show everyone what is possibly around our young people and to please share this post and this picture and to talk to your kids," he said. 

 


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