Coffee in Class Triggers Suspension, Sparks Policy Debate in Upstate NY School

Julie Kaputa, a Beaver River Central School senior in Castorland, NY, was given in-school suspension for bringing a cup of coffee to class on the first day. Her mother says the district quietly adopted an outside-food and drink policy without a required public hearing. The policy bans outside beverages to minimize distractions and protect allergies. The district plans a public hearing to discuss the change, and Kaputa was allowed to return to class after a discussion; the suspension will not appear on her record.