McClure Principal to Parents: 'Multiple' Eighth-Graders Using Marijuana

The principal of District 101's , Dan Chick, has sent a letter to all parents of McClure students stating that the school has recieved a number of reports of eighth-graders experimenting with marijuana.

Chick wrote parents on Wednesday, Oct. 19 that the "reasonably credible" reports had "just came to our attention in the past several school days." All known or suspected drug usage, he wrote, had taken place off of school grounds, after or before school or on weekends.

"It is rare when I feel the need to communicate to the McClure parent group as a whole about an issue that, at present, may be isolated among a few individuals or within a single class," Chick wrote.

"However, this is an issue that I believe parents wish to know more about, and I am confident that the school can play an important role in assisting you, as parent, with sending informed and positive messages to your children about making good choices."

Accordingly, Chick has called for a special informational meeting for parents to be held at McClure on Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will discuss the issue of marijuana use among McClure students, provide parents with tips and summarize McClure's approach to tackling the problem.

Both Chick and assistant principal Rachel Corrough will also be addressing the entire eighth grade class at a special assembly on Thursday, Oct. 27, and health instructor Kevin Cuff will be revising the eighth-grade health-instruction curriculum to focus on drug issues early in the year.

"Obviously, we take the health and well being of our students very seriously," Chick wrote. "Continuing the strong parent/school collaboration we enjoy at McClure is key in helping our children make good decisions in difficult situations, including the choice to say no to drugs.

"However... I must be clear that any student who might choose to bring illegal drugs and/or paraphernalia into the school environment will be dealt with swiftly and strongly."

While the instances have been constrained to eighth-graders, Chick encouraged vigilance and participation in the school's anti-drug program by all school parents and staff, regardless of student age.

Use of marijuana (cannabis, "pot," "weed," many other street names) is a relatively common local ordinance citation to be found in the Western Springs police blotter, in particular at About two marijuana citations are handed out each month.

Marijuana is illegal in Illinois even as a prescription drug, despite lawmakers' efforts earlier this year to pass a medical marijuana bill.