The situation came to light when Lisa Luviano’s 4-year-old daughter returned home on September 24 with a blue sticker featuring a moon and stars, which was given to her by a teacher during “sleeping time.” The young girl called it a “sleeping sticker.” Alarmed, Luviano searched online and found that the sticker was a Sleep ZPatch, a sleep aid containing melatonin meant for adults over the age of 18. Outraged by this discovery, Luviano reported the incident to school administrators and filed a police report, seeking criminal charges against the teachers involved.
Despite raising her concerns, Luviano did not hear back from the school for two weeks, leading to frustration. Determined to address the issue, she took further action by sending a mass text message to other parents, encouraging them to ask their children about the stickers. This led to several other parents coming forward with similar concerns.
One parent, Najala Abdullah, reported that her son had been crying more frequently, not eating properly, and experiencing sleep disturbances since the school year began. Abdullah, along with other worried parents, reported the matter to the Spring Independent School District and Child Protective Services. Some parents even took their children to the hospital for medical examinations out of concern for their well-being.
In response to the growing complaints, the school district finally addressed the issue on Tuesday, announcing that the two teachers involved had been placed on administrative leave while a police investigation is conducted. Additionally, two paraprofessionals were also placed on leave as a precautionary measure.
In a public statement, the district acknowledged the severity of the situation and confirmed that, upon learning of the allegations, the teachers were immediately removed from their duties and placed on administrative leave. The district further emphasized that student safety is its highest priority and stated that the teachers had violated school policy by administering any form of medication without proper authorization.
The use of melatonin-infused stickers, which are designed for adult use, has raised serious concerns among parents and the wider community. Melatonin is a hormone commonly used as a sleep aid, but it is not recommended for young children unless prescribed by a healthcare professional. The fact that the teachers allegedly administered this without parental consent has left many parents questioning the school’s protocols and oversight.
As the investigation continues, both parents and officials are seeking accountability for what they view as a violation of trust. The district has reassured parents that they are taking the matter seriously and are cooperating fully with law enforcement and other relevant authorities.
The incident has highlighted the importance of clear communication between schools and parents, particularly when it comes to the health and well-being of young children. As more details emerge, parents are hopeful that appropriate action will be taken to prevent any similar incidents in the future and to restore confidence in the school’s commitment to student safety.
