Many schools across the country, including our own, have seen an increase in the use of e-cigarettes among middle and high school students. In September 2018 the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Commissioner Riley and the MA Department of Health’s Commissioner Bharel issued a joint letter to school administrators urging them to equip staff with various resources to combat the rising epidemic.
Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor produced by an electronic vaporizer or e-cigarette. The casing can come in any shape or size, but one of the most popular forms is the Juul, which appears much like a flash drive and can easily be concealed. The liquids vaporized are marketed to our youth with different flavors such as cotton candy, bubble gum, and lemonade, giving the appearance that this is a harmless smoking option with limited risks but this is far from the truth. These products contain nicotine and are not only addictive but dangerous.
Earlier this year teachers received training on this topic from Melinda Calianos the Director at Hampshire Franklin Tobacco-Free Community Partnership. Students will receive the “Catch My Breath” curriculum endorsed by same organization before the year’s end. We also recognize this is new territory for many of you as parents. Therefore, we are offering two separate evening sessions with Melinda Calianos during the month of May:
- Wednesday, May 1st, 6:30-7:30 @ ARMS Auditorium
- Tuesday, May 14th, 6:30-7:30 @ ARMS Auditorium
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Sincerely,
Joseph Smith, Interim Co-Principal and Rebecca Sweetman, Interim Co-Principal
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