Pubdate: Thu, 02 Apr 2009
Source: Philadelphia Daily News (PA)
Copyright: 2009 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc.
Contact: http://www.philly.com/dailynews/about/feedback/
Website: http://www.philly.com/dailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/339
Author: Mensah M. Dean
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

'COURAGEOUS' ELEMENTARY STUDENT TURNED IN POT BEARER, DISTRICT SAYS

City school district officials are crediting a "courageous" student 
with reporting another student who police said brought 11 bags of 
marijuana to Morton Elementary School in Southwest Philadelphia on Tuesday.

The 10-year-old boy who allegedly brought the drugs and gave some to 
three other students was suspended and likely will be transferred to 
an alternative program the district runs for students in grades three 
through five, said Fernando Gallard, a district spokesman.

"There is counseling that we provide in situations like this," 
Gallard said. "When you are dealing with younger students, you have 
to make sure that they understand the consequences of their actions." 
As for the student who notified an assistant principal at the school 
on 63rd Street near Woodland Avenue, Gallard called that child "courageous."

"The good news that we can walk away with is that a student came 
forward to provide the information," he said.

The two fourth-grade girls and the third-grade boy who received drugs 
from the boy with the marijuana were suspended and could face further 
discipline pending the outcome of an investigation, Gallard said.

He said it was not yet clear if the boy had sold or had given the 
drugs to the other students.

No charges had been filed as of yesterday afternoon, police said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom