Drug abuse

...Lowell Sun Online - Editorials The Gallery of Homes Subscription Services Site Search Enter search term Advanced Search Premier Homes Top Jobs Top Rentals Top Autos Link To Article Print Article Email ArticleArticle Launched: 03/30/2006 11:45 AM ESTHeads in the sandThe Lowell SunCongratulations to Stony Brook Middle School nurse Sally Pratt and the other Westford nurses, guidance counselors and teachers who apparently told administrators repeatedly of concerns that a young teacher was struggling with a drug problem.

Sadly, those administrators failed to react and they allowed the teacher's life to continue spiraling downward and students to be taught by someone whose mind was overwhelmed by personal problems.

Shame on Stony Brook Principal Joan Barry and Assistant Principal Joe Jette for ignoring the sincere concerns of former teacher Jessica Palkes' co-workers.

Superintendent of Schools Stephen Foster is refusing to respond to questions regarding when he first learned of Palkes' drug addiction.

Initially, he said he heard nothing until Palkes' arrest in January of this year.

But on Tuesday of this week, Foster refused to discuss the issue.

According to Pratt, worried staff members first reported their concerns to the school's principal and assistant principal in September 2003, more than two years before Palkes' arr...

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