The health and safety of our students is a top priority, so we feel it is necessary to inform you of a concern in schools across the country. The presence and use of e-cigarette/vaping devices has increased among teens and adolescents. We take this issue seriously and are concerned with the effects these devices have on our students.
Our hope is to provide you with some valuable information regarding vaping. We are aware there are varying levels of understanding, so we will attempt to answer some basic questions.
- What is vaping? - Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapor that is produced by an electronic vaporizer or e-cigarette. The vapor comes from heating flavored liquids that may contain nicotine, marijuana/THC, cocaine, or other drugs. These flavored liquids release a very strong sweet smell into the air when vaporized.
- What do vaping devices look like? -Vaporizers come in various shapes and sizes that you can view in the links below. These devices can be quite small and can easily be concealed with normal backpack/school-related items.
- What are the dangers of vaping? -Varying information has created misconceptions about vaping, however, VAPING IS NOT A SAFE ALTERNATIVE TO SMOKING. The medical community has conducted many studies and released many warnings. The biggest risks involve nicotine dependency, stunted brain development, vape juices that contain multiple known carcinogens (cancer causing elements), and many respiratory diseases.
- Where are kids getting vaping devices? -Although it is illegal for stores to sell vaping items to anyone under 18, our students are getting their hands on them. Online purchasing without age verification, getting a device from a family member or friend, or buying them from random people all seem to be sources of distribution.
We work closely with our local police department, which enforces state laws and local ordinances as they pertain to these devices. It is also against school policy to possess and/or use e-cigarettes and vaping devices. School discipline structure is as follows:
- First Offense: One-day suspension with required parent conference.
- Second Offense: Three-day suspension and required conference w/administrative committee
- Third Offense: A referral to the school board for expulsion.
Educating our students takes a teamwork approach as school staff and families must work together. Thank you for your time and please reach out if you have any further questions.
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