by Rachel Themistokleous ‘25

Principal Tim Britton sent an email February 28 to teachers and other staff addressing concerns about students smelling like marijuana, and the smell wafting out of the restrooms and through the hallways. At Britton’s direction, a number of teachers showed the email to their students for them to understand new guidelines.

“We were seeing a sudden uptick of use inside and around the building,” explained Britton. “Therefore, I think it was appropriate to make an announcement to remind everyone what our rules are.”

In the email, Britton stated that if a teacher suspects something is going on in a bathroom, they need to let security know immediately. If a student is then found hanging out in the restroom, security and admin will clear them out and a search will possibly take place. Administration also is locking the bathrooms more frequently.

Britton additionally issued guidance for what teachers should do if they suspect a student smells of marijuana, such as alerting administration and security right away. The student will then see the nurse in the health room for observation. If it is not clear that the student was explicitly using marijuana, the school will just send a call home to the student’s parents and the student will have to go home for the day. However, nothing will be put on a permanent record.

MCPS recently reached a settlement with e-cigarette maker Juul to use $2 million in funds to install devices that detect vape nicotine or marijuana smoke in bathrooms. The devices were installed at Sherwood in mid-March and have caught a number of students already. When the detectors pick up smoke, they send a notification to security and administrators’ phones. Someone is then sent to conduct a self-search on anyone within the bathroom. If a student is caught using or in possession of any type of drug, the school will issue an out of school suspension and notify parents right away. These new actions aim to reduce growing health concerns regarding vaping among students, as well as creating a safer school environment for all students.

“Staff, not just admin and security, have to help us with these new rules,” said Britton. “Checking bathrooms, checking hallways, and being consistent about following through with our consequences [will help guide] students do the right thing.”