Greetings PV Families,
In recent weeks, the high school has been challenged by several vaping incidents. While vaping is a behavior our students have been engaging in for some time, this year the incidents are occurring more frequently and in at least some cases, leading to serious health conditions. We have focused on educating our students in high school health class but realize we need to do more.
In the past two weeks, several students used a vape device and became seriously ill; to the point that an ambulance needed to be called. Vape devices come in all shapes and sizes and are easily obtained by our youth today. They contain toxic substances and at times recreational drugs, i.e. THC (marijuana) and/or amphetamines. The recent incidents have been referred to in conversation among students as "overdoses" and after speaking with our nurses about this terminology, this makes some sense. An overdose happens when the body is overwhelmed by a toxic amount of substance or combination of substances. It’s possible to overdose on many substances if they are abused, including alcohol, illicit drugs, and even prescribed medication.
Any drug overdose can be either accidental or intentional. Accidental overdoses tend to happen when people take more of a prescription medication than originally intended or use too much of an illegal drug trying to get a better high. Intentional overdoses are usually the result of someone trying to commit suicide. Whatever the intent, overdoses are terribly tragic, and something we want to help our students understand more deeply and as a school district, prevent. An overdose through vaping or some other risk taking behavior, can have severe and lasting repercussions.
As we attempt to hit this vaping challenge head-on, we wish to capitalize on our partnership with you to work with us on stopping our students from engaging in these vaping behaviors. We are developing a plan to include action steps towards the goal of eliminating vaping in our schools. Our planning includes education, accountability, and counseling.
If you suspect that someone you know is experiencing an adverse reaction or an overdose to vaping, we urge you to seek medical assistance immediately. Common signs of drug overdoses may include but are not limited to vomiting, confusion, slowed breathing, erratic pulse, and chest pains. Mr. Marsh, Blue House Principal, and I prepared a brief video (see below) to introduce you to some of the basics of vaping.
Lastly, I am asking that you have a conversation with your child about filming vaping incidents or filming students in any type of disrespectful manner, and encouraging them to stop doing so. The videos shared often include inaccurate and confidential information about the incidents and the individuals involved. Thank you in advance for your support.
Stay tuned for regular updates and opportunities to work towards putting an end to vaping in our schools. The health, safety, and wellbeing of our students continues to be our highest priority.
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara A. Russell
Superintendent
