Jul 30 2019
The Carroll County School System is concerned that there has been a significant rise in the use of vaping devices by middle and high school students during the past school year. This concern has developed into a national issue for schools across our country and, like other school districts, Carroll County desires to have safe school environments free of tobacco and illegal substances.
During the 2018-2019 school year, we had several vaping related offenses involving illegal substances that resulted in disciplinary action for students. Additionally, student vaping led to medical emergencies where students had to be transported to local hospitals. In addition to the potential health risks, it is illegal for students under the age of 18 to use vaping devices or to purchase vaping materials. It is also against school district policy for students to vape, or to bring the devices or materials to school.
Please be aware that the Carroll County School System will immediately begin applying a more severe range of consequences for possession and use of a vaping device. The consequences for this offense can be found in Board Administrative Rule JCDA-E (1) Student Code of Conduct. The Rule states that the penalty for this type of offense may range from warning to a recommendation for disciplinary tribunal hearing that may result in a long-term suspension or expulsion. School administrators will look towards longer periods of suspension and recommendations for a tribunal hearing for repeat vaping offenses.
Parents, please talk with your children about the potential health-related dangers of vaping and these newly implemented consequences for bringing vaping devices to school. We need your help in ensuring a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff. Below we have included recent research on this topic that may be helpful for you to share with your child. Should you have any additional questions or concerns please contact the principal of your child’s school. Thank you for your support in helping us with this important issue.
References:
https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics/infographics/teens-e-cigarettes
