ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, October 4, 1996 TAG: 9610040053
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: FAIRBORN, OHIO
MEMO: NOTE: Shorter version ran in Metro Edition.
A 14-year-old girl who gave a Midol to a classmate said it's not fair she can't return to school until February when the classmate who took the tablet was allowed to return to class Thursday.
``I don't like being treated differently,'' Kimberly Smartt said.
Wednesday, Kimberly said she got a letter from Baker Junior High School saying she won't be allowed back to school until Feb. 12 for ``transmission of a drug.''
Kimberly already had been suspended for 10 days for violating the suburban Dayton school's code of conduct by giving a Midol tablet to 13-year-old Erica Taylor on Sept. 6.
Erica also was suspended for 10 days for possession of the Midol, but returned to school Thursday after nine days when she agreed to take part in a drug counseling and education session.
Kimberly said school officials never told her of the counseling option.
Steve Clifton, superintendent of Fairborn City Schools, said the school district's drug policy differentiates between possession and transmission and that drug transmissions are ``treated severely and most generally through expulsion.''
The policy does not distinguish between legal and illegal, or prescription and non-precription drugs.
Students who are not feeling well are supposed to go to the school nurse. Nonprescription drugs are given to students who have a signed parental permission slip on file. Prescription drugs require a parent's and a physician's written permission.
Midol is sold over the counter to relieve cramps, headaches and other symptoms related to menstrual periods. It contains acetaminophen, a common painkiller, and caffeine.
Kimberly said she took two Midol tablets from the school nurse's office without the nurse's knowledge because she was feeling ill and was running a slight temperature.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 46 linesby CNB