DERBY, Kan. (KWCH) - A letter to parents/guardians from Derby High School Principal Gretchen Pontious confirms the arrest of a first-year teacher at the school.

The letter to parents identifies the teacher as Caleb Thornton, an English, Reality 101 and Pr1meTime (homeroom teacher). Arresting charges against Thornton include contributing to child misconduct, child endangerment, use/possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and distributing or possessing with intent to distribute marijuana within 1,000 feet of school property.

Pontious said following his arrest on Monday, Thornton is on immediate suspension The principal said that the district “is working closely with the Derby Police Department regarding this matter.”

“The safety and well-being of our stu

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