Art projects pop up everywhere during the holidays as children enjoy creating masterpieces to celebrate the season. But on one particular day, a tiny craft item led to a major discovery—and a much safer winter break for four children.
It all started with a seemingly routine event: registering a new family in our school.
The parent completing the paperwork displayed clear physical signs of meth addiction—sunken eyes, open sores, and a distracted, nervous energy. A quick review of the family’s enrollment history revealed frequent moves, a classic red flag for instability.
Shortly after the family’s arrival, more warning signs emerged. Teachers reported the children’s backpacks smelled strongly of cat feces—a common odor linked to methamphetamine production. Tardiness became more frequent, and the children’s demeanor raised concerns about possible neglect.
Even when signs of trouble exist, educators know how difficult it can be to prove danger and, even more challenging, to remove children from a bad situation.
But every now and then, a little miracle happens.
Such was the case when a kindergarten student came to the nurse’s office due to a mishap during art. Yep—like generations of young children before her, she stuck something up her nose! The class had been working on a holiday tree ornament using tiny little pom-poms, and she managed to wedge one up there so far that even the school nurse couldn’t retrieve it. The parent would need to come and take the child to the doctor for a more heroic extraction.
We called.
And called again.
No answer.
Seeking more information, we asked the kindergartener’s fifth-grade sibling if they knew where their parent might be. What came next turned an ordinary day into an unforgettable one. You Can’t Make It Up!
“She’s gone,” the sibling said matter-of-factly. “She told us not to go in the house when we get home today because the presidents are in the basement, and they’ll kill us if we go down there.”
Wait—what?!
Alarms went off immediately. It was bitterly cold outside, with temperatures set to dip to -10°F windchill by evening. Letting the kids stand outside waiting for someone to come home was not an option. And “presidents” in the basement? The statement, likely the result of meth-induced paranoia, hinted at a far bigger problem.
We alerted the School Resource Officer (SRO) and quickly devised a plan. The officer would discreetly monitor the children after school, determine if anyone was home, and take appropriate action. Meanwhile, the kindergartener’s aunt arrived to take her to the doctor for the pom-pom extraction but was equally in the dark about the parent’s whereabouts.
By 5:00 p.m., the situation escalated. The children had returned home to find the house locked. The SRO confirmed the mother was still 70 miles away. With a warrant in hand, officers entered the home and uncovered a full meth lab in the basement. The mother was arrested, and the children were placed in a safe home that night.
All because a tiny pom-pom got stuck in a child’s nose.
Key Takeaways
Recognize the Signs: Substance addiction and neglect often leave a trail—physical symptoms, unusual odors, erratic schedules, or behavioral changes. Stay alert for these warning signals.
Ask Questions: Children can reveal critical details when approached calmly and without judgment. Their casual observations can be the missing puzzle pieces adults need.
Act With Urgency: Whether it’s extreme weather or dangerous home conditions, children’s safety must come first. If you suspect danger, act with urgency and intention—mandatory reporting is both a legal and moral obligation.
Collaborate with Authorities: School Resource Officers and local law enforcement are your allies in protecting vulnerable kids. Always loop them in.
Stay Persistent: This outcome was only possible because a team of educators refused to overlook the signs, asked questions, and followed through until the children were safe. Advocacy requires determination, persistence, and communication.
In a season often celebrated for miracles, this small pom-pom brought about one of its own. A child’s simple craft project ensured safety, hope, and a brighter future for four young lives.
Who knew a tiny pom-pom could change everything?
Jane