CHICAGO (CBS) — Three children at an elementary school near Rogers Park were taken to a hospital Tuesday after eating gummies containing an unknown substance.
The CBS News Chicago crew spotted an ambulance driving away from Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, 6700 N. Greenview Ave., on Tuesday afternoon.
In a letter to parents, Kilmer principal Natalie Rodriguez described the children’s products as “an unknown substance in the form of gummy edibles.” Rodriguez’s letter did not specify what the gummy edibles contained, but he pointed out that they often contained marijuana or “other prohibited substances.”
All three children were taken to Ascension St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, fire officials said.
Rodriguez advised that parents should make a point of talking to their children about the health risks of gummies.
Rodriguez’s full letter read as follows:
“Safety is always my top priority and that is why I am writing to inform you of an incident that occurred during today’s school day. This afternoon we were notified that some members of our school community had ingested an unknown substance in the form of gummy edibles. Out of an abundance of caution, reports were made to ensure these individuals received medical attention. Everyone is safe. The parents of the affected community members and the CPS Office of Safety and Security have been notified, and while I cannot provide further details for privacy reasons, I can share that we will handle this matter in accordance with CPS policy.
“We believe the affected community members may have ingested the unknown substance in the form of ‘edibles’, which are foods or beverages made with cannabis or other prohibited substances. Prohibited substances of any kind are not permitted at our school, and we encourage you to take this opportunity to talk to your child about the health risks associated with consuming edibles and to remind them remember not to accept food if they don’t know where it comes from.
“Thank you for your support and partnership as we continue to strive to create a healthy and positive learning environment at our school. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.”
