Parent believes teacher is peddling drugs

DEAR AMY: I recently attended a large cocktail party with a group of new friends. Some of the other guests were smoking marijuana and doing other illegal drugs. I recognized one of the drug users as an elementary teacher at my daughter's school. Because the school is large, I doubt the teacher recognized me. My daughter is not in her class. When I asked my friends about what was going on, they informed me that not only was this teacher a heavy drug user but also the supplier. I would not want this person as my daughter's teacher. I feel as if I should tell the school to do a random drug test. But with this economy, I don't wish to facilitate anyone losing their job. Worried and Confused

DEAR WORRIED: I am going to assume that everything you say is absolutely correct. You don't want this teacher teaching your child. So let's assume the other children at your daughter's elementary school also deserve a sober and basically law-abiding teacher.

You can tell the school exactly what you saw and ask them to investigate this and handle it according to their own standards.

In addition to committing a crime by using and peddling illegal drugs, this teacher is using colossal bad judgment.

Your compassion regarding the economy runs two ways: If this teacher vacates the position, perhaps someone more deserving will be hired.

DEAR AMY: What would you do if a family member had a bridal shower, received numerous gifts, did not acknowledge them, then canceled the wedding and did not return the gifts? Now a year later, she is planning another wedding with a different groom-to-be. Do you think another gift is in order?Carolyn, Denver

DEAR CAROLYN: By not acknowledging or returning these bridal gifts, this prospective bride saved you the trouble of shopping, wrapping and giving her another gift.