WILMINGTON, MA — The school district’s Vaping Committee recently gave a brief presentation to the Wilmington School Committee on the progress it has made during the 2019-2020 school year.
The Committee received a $19,500 grant from Lahey Hospital and Medical Center (CHNA15 doN funds) to (1) increase vaping awareness, (2) develop new diversionary programming, and (3) explore alternative ways of detection.
In an effort to increase awareness around the issue, the Committee organized or helped support two large community events — “The Secret Lives of Teens & Tweens” with Jon Mattleman and “Marijuana, Vaping and You” with Rick Cresta and panelists. The Committee is also updating the “no smoking” signage at both the Middle School and High School to mention vaping. In addition, the dangers of vaping will be addressed at the 5th grade level at both the North and West. Laura Stinson is currently researching curriculum.
A new diversionary program for students caught vaping has been established by the Committee. 50 licenses for the product ‘Vape Educate’ has been purchased. A student who receives their first offense will serve one day of in-school suspension where they will complete the online Vape Educate course. Six students — three at the Middle School and three at the High School — have already participated. For repeat offenders, a 5-week diversion plan program has been established by a working group of teachers, nurses, social workers, administrators and the police department. 2 students will voluntarily pilot the program in the future before it officially launches.
In an effort to improve detection, vape detectors will be purchased for some of the bathrooms at the high school. If a vape is detected, an alert will be sent to an administrator. Demos will be installed before any final purchases are made.
The Committee has worked in collaboration with the Wilmington Substance Abuse Coalition and the Wilmington Police Department.
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