This letter was sent to my school district representative. It is self explanatory. 09

November 29, 2000

Diane Pettitt
Clover Hill School District
Representative
12012 Bondurant Dr.
Richmond, VA 23236

Dear Ms. Pettitt,

I trust this letter finds you well. I write to express my concerns regarding ourschools policy regarding the use of medicines by our children.

I have a daughter attending Swift Creek Middle School in the 6th grade. Recentlyshe was not feeling well and had a slight fever. Having taken some children's Advilbefore leaving for school I advised her that I would bring another doseof same to theclinic at school. This was in case she needed it later in the day. I putthree pills (JuniorAdvil - over the counter medication) in the original bottle and placedthe bottle in azip-lock sandwich bag. On the bag was taped a piece of paper with mydaughter92s name,the time for the next dosage, and my signature.

The lady working in the clinic (I don't know if she was the nurse ornot) told me Icould not leave it. She stated that I must have a note from our doctorstating that it wasalright to administer this OVER THE COUNTER medication that she hadalready takenat home. I must tell you that I was then, and am now, beside myself withanger andfrustration regarding this idiotic policy.

Am I to understand that we are going to treat Junior Advil the same asif it were anaddictive narcotic? Am I further to understand that the State doesn'ttrust me to make thisdecision for my daughter? If I can administer this medication to her athome then why amI not trusted to make this decision for her at school? Am I or am I notmy child's parentand thus responsible for her well being?

I am fully aware of the current atmosphere in our schools regardingillegal drugsand the like. I am also sadly aware of the fact that we live in alitigious society. But if Iam willing to sign a form stating that my daughter can take the medicinethen why must Ihave to get a note from a doctor? I am absolutely livid about the factthat our schooladministration does not seem to be willing to treat matters regardingillegal drugs on acase by case basis. No one, it seems, is willing TO THINK!! Why isJunior Advil, andother similar medications, lumped in with prescription and illegaldrugs? Why must wemake every day affairs more difficult for parents than they need to be?Maybe I can beproven wrong, but I am not aware of anyone getting "high" from usingsuch medications.Have there been any drive-by shootings involving OTC drugs?

I wish to see this onerous and unthinking policy changed to one thatmakes moresense. As my district representative to the school board I hope that youwill make aneffort to see this changed. Let's treat illegal matters as such, butlet's not lump every typeof legitimate medication in with them. I can only hope that you will bewilling to worktoward a sensible change in this policy.

If you have any questions of me please feel free to contact me. I willclose now bythanking you for your attention to this matter and asking that you knowme to be,

an involved parent,

Floyd C. Bayne