OAKESDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 324

First & McCoy * Box No. 228

Oakesdale, Washington 99158-0228

JAKE DINGMAN

Superintendent/Principal

Phone:(509) 285-5296

FAX: (509) 285-5121

KEN LINDGREN

Athletic Director

Phone: (509) 285-5296

Dear Parents and Guardians of Oakesdale Students:

I write this letter with great concern for the safety of our students and feel it is very important to inform you all of what some of our students are doing in their time during non-school hours. It has been brought to my attention that a number of our students are “huffing,” also known as “dusting.” The basic concept is students are inhaling gasses that serve as a drug. Below is a description from Wikipedia, taken from www.wikipedia.com on January 9, 2009. When searching for huffing, you are immediately taken to the description of dusting, and further links to huffing provide this information on the use of inhalant drugs.

“Inhalant users inhale vapor or aerosol propellant gases using plastic bags held over the

mouth or by breathing from a solvent-soaked rag or an open container. The effects of

inhalants range from an alcohol-like intoxication and intense euphoria to vivid

hallucinations, depending on the substance and the dosage. Some inhalant users are

injured due to the harmful effects of the solvents or gases, or due to other chemicals used

in the products that they are inhaling. As well, as with any recreational drug, users can be

injured due to dangerous behavior while they are intoxicated, such as driving under the

influence. In some cases, users have died from hypoxia (lack of oxygen), pneumonia,

cardiac failure or arrest[1], or aspiration of vomit.”

Any aerosol product, from hairspray to whipped cream can be, and are being used for this purpose, and is terribly dangerous. It is vitally important to the safety of all of our students, that regardless of their age, our students, your children, become aware of the dangers associated with the use of recreational drugs. I am asking for your help as families, to once again have the “dinner time” discussions with your children about this issue. Be specific, be direct, and be honest with the details about what can happen if they make the choice to use.

Each and every student at Oakesdale deserves to be, and should be protected from such dangers. As parents, please partner with us at the school to inform them, and provide them the information they need to protect themselves.

Sincerely,

Jake Dingman

Superintendent/K-12 Principal of the Oakesdale School District #324

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