Pubdate: Fri, 09 Feb 2007
Source: Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
Copyright: 2007 Lockport Union-Sun & Journal
Contact:  http://www.lockportjournal.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4416
Author: Paul Lane
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DRUG USE: FOURTH-GRADERS REPORT SUB USING DRUGS IN SCHOOL

LEWISTON -- A Lewiston-Porter substitute teacher was arrested Tuesday 
after allegedly using cocaine while on school property last week.

Joan M. Donatelli, 59, of the Town of Lewiston, was charged at 4:50 
p.m. Tuesday with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled 
substance and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

Donatelli was teaching a fourth-grade class at the Lewiston-Porter 
Intermediate Education Center on Feb. 1. During the day, at least two 
students saw what they thought was Donatelli using drugs, said Sgt. 
Frank Previte of the Lewiston Police Department.

"They were not sure what it was," he said of the students. "They 
believed it may have involved drug use or drug abuse."

The students informed administrators, who in turn told police that 
afternoon. Police examined the classroom that afternoon and found 
some evidence of drug use. After being confronted later that day, 
Previte said Donatelli eventually confessed to using drugs.

A white, powdery substance was confiscated from Donatelli that tests 
revealed was cocaine, Previte said.

Donatelli recently began working as a substitute after teaching 
full-time in the district. She served as the first-grade department 
chairperson in parts of 2003 and 2004.

Lewiston-Porter Superintendent Don Rappold sent a letter home to 
parents last week informing them that "a substitute teacher in your 
child's classroom may have a substance abuse problem." Intermediate 
Center Principal Tamara Larson referred a reporter seeking comment in 
her office to Rappold, who also declined comment.

"The letter is the letter," he said.

Parent Greg Sitek of Lewiston was surprised upon hearing the news 
when picking up his son from school Thursday.

"Shocked, disturbed," was his initial reaction. "I would think there 
would have to be some sort of drug testing."

Lew-Port is a "drug-free zone," according to a policy posted on the 
district's Web site. Anyone caught with drugs in their possession 
within 1,000 feet of this zone is subject to as much as 16 years 
incarceration, the policy said.

Previte was quick to praise the two students, whom he declined to 
identify, for telling other school personnel.

"They did what they were supposed to do," he said. "In this case, it 
worked very well."

Donatelli is currently charged with two endangerment counts because 
police have to prove students saw the illegal act as opposed to just 
hearing about it, Previte said. She has been banned from the school 
campus since Feb. 1, Rappold's letter said.

Donatelli was issued appearance tickets and released. She is 
scheduled to appear at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 21 in Lewiston Town Court, Previte said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman