INDIAN HEAD, Md. — A bookbag containing “a large amount of marijuana and paraphernalia” was found near a car in the parking lot at General Smallwood Middle School on April 30, prompting an internal and police investigation, according to a letter sent to families by Principal Orlena Whatley.
A staff member reported the unattended bag to school administrators. “An administrator retrieved the bag and, upon picking it up, observed a strong smell of marijuana coming from it,” Whatley wrote. The school resource officer was notified, and the bag was searched.
The school’s investigation determined that the bag “allegedly belonged to a substitute teacher.” The substitute was not assigned to General Smallwood that day but “visited the school to see if they could work.” The individual provided coverage for 50 minutes in one classroom.
The matter was reported to the Charles County Public Schools Office of Human Resources and the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. “The individual no longer works for CCPS,” Whatley stated. “While I am not sharing the individual’s name in this communication, they likely will face police charges, which may be made public by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office.”
Whatley thanked the staff member who reported the incident and encouraged students to speak up if they see anything suspicious. “Please encourage your child to report to a trusted adult any behavior by an adult or peer that they feel is inappropriate,” she wrote.
Information can also be reported anonymously through the CCPS “See Something, Say Something” online tool at https://www.ccboe.com/community/see-something-say-something.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
Do they know which student was late to get the drop?