Glymont Middle School Substitute Teacher Removed After Letting Student Use Vape In Charles County

INDIAN HEAD, Md. — A substitute teacher has been removed from Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) following a classroom incident at Glymont Middle School involving a vaping device, officials confirmed.

According to a message sent to parents Thursday, March 19, 2026, by Principal Orlena Whatley, the incident occurred earlier that day during class.

The message stated a student asked the substitute teacher whether she smoked or vaped. In response, the teacher displayed a vaping device to students, and a student was allowed to use the device in the classroom.

School officials said the behavior violated school system policies and did not align with expectations for maintaining a safe and appropriate learning environment.

Administrators took immediate action once the situation was reported, launching an investigation that included collecting statements from students and removing the substitute teacher from the classroom.

The substitute teacher has since been relieved of duties and will not return to Charles County Public Schools, according to the school’s parent communication and confirmation from CCPS Communications Director Shelley Mackey.

Officials said the investigation included coordination with the school resource officer and police.

A parent also raised concerns about the incident in a March 19 Facebook post, stating a substitute teacher gave their child a vape device and alleging broader issues at the school. The post indicated the parent plans to file a criminal complaint and pursue further action.

Under Maryland law, providing a tobacco or vaping product to a minor is prohibited and may carry criminal penalties. It is unclear whether any charges have been filed. School officials have confirmed the investigation and that the substitute teacher was removed from their position.

The BayNet has reached out to the parent for additional information and comment.

Glymont Middle School, located at 4980 Smallwood Drive West in Indian Head, opened under its current name for the 2025–2026 school year. The school was previously known as General Smallwood Middle School before the Charles County Board of Education approved the name change in April 2025, with the change taking effect July 1, 2025.

Charles County Public Schools emphasized that student safety and well-being remain a top priority and said the school system will continue reinforcing expectations for staff and students regarding appropriate conduct.

Below is the letter sent to parents by the school principal, provided by Charles County Public Schools.

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