Dear Schodack CSD families,
We would like to share some preventative information about vaping. We are seeing more incidents involving vaping at Maple Hill High School and are concerned about the potential impact on our students’ health.
Vaping involves inhaling a vapor produced by an electronic vaporizer or e-cigarette, which heats a liquid to generate an aerosol. The vapor can contain nicotine, marijuana oil or other substances. The liquid concentrates that are vaporized, often called vape juices, come in many flavors and are often sweet, causing vapor to smell fruity.
Vaporizers, e-cigarettes or juuls come in many different shapes. Common styles look like a thick pen, a tablet stylus, a flash drive, or a small flask with a round chimney. Devices are typically very small and can easily be hidden. Like cigarettes, stores cannot sell vaping items to people under age 18. However, they are available on the internet and students may ask older siblings or friends who are over 18 to purchase them.
Vaping is often marketed as a safe alternative to cigarettes. However, nicotine is addictive and can harm brain development, which continues until about age 25. There is also a concern that vaping at an early age can lead to smoking.
Additional info about vaping and e-cigarettes can be found here. The district will also hold a community discussion on “Vaping and Other Dangerous Trends – High in Plain Sight” on Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the High School auditorium.
Vaping and the possession of vaping equipment is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. While we are trying to proactively educate our students about the dangers of vaping, there will be consequences if a student vapes or is found in possession of any electronic smoking cartridges or paraphernalia on school property.
We hope you find this letter informative and understand our concerns about this potentially harmful issue. As always, the health and safety of our students is our top priority and partnering with parents and guardians is the best way to help students make positive decisions. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely,
