Dear Parents and Guardians,
This letter is being provided on behalf of the faculty and staff of Taylor County Schools to bring to your attention an emerging concern that requires our collective vigilance and action.
In recent years, the prevalence of THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) vape pens among middle and high school students has become a growing cause for concern across the country and has now reached our Taylor County community.
This phenomenon causes us considerable worry as it seems to be an increasing practice among our students as they don’t feel it is something that will harm them, for some reason most feel the practice is something that will never affect them.
THC is the main psychoactive component of cannabis, and its use among adolescents can lead to various short-term and long-term health and behavioral consequences. In addition, research has shown that the use of these substances during crucial developmental stages of this unregulated product are many and as a result are compromising the health of an increasing number of youths to the point of having a negative impact on such things as cognitive functions, concentration/ability to focus on learning tasks, academic performance, and well-being, as well as contributing to poor behavior and simple decision-making.
In addition, as a result of vaping, one’s breathing capacity becomes diminished and therefore minimizes the ability to do such things as play an instrument, sing, and or maintain endurance needed for such activities as sports, etc., all typical activities of our school age young people. Further, the use of vape pens is also causing individuals to be hospitalized and suffer multiple complications, and in a growing number of instances even death.
It was disappointing when we learned that there are no FDA regulations in place that could control the manufacturers of Vape pens and Vape pen contents. Even the additive flavorings meant to entice individuals to engage in the practice of vaping are not regulated.
Equally troubling is the fact that, in most instances when those unregulated additive flavoring substances are heated in the Vape pen, a change occurs to the chemical compound that can become toxic.
Therefore, it is crucial that we acknowledge that the accessibility and discreet nature of THC Vape pens make them particularly appealing to young individuals, often leading to underestimation of the previously mentioned associated risks.
This year we have already noticed a significant increase in student use and possession of these devices at our high school. As this has been occurring, we’re also learning that the trend of using Vape pens is moving into our younger grade levels. Why? We can’t say for sure. Perhaps as much because these younger students are wanting to appear more mature than past generations. As kids, we typically looked up to our older peers and other relatives who we admired and, therefore, we tried to do what they were doing. While wanting to be grown up is a natural phenomenon, the use of Vaping is a dangerous habit for the very youth we want to protect.
To safeguard our students and promote a healthy and secure learning environment, we urge you to remain vigilant and engage in open and honest conversations with your children about the dangers of substance use including the practice of vaping.
Recognizing the signs of potential THC vape pen use, such as changes in behavior, diminished academic performance, and alterations in social circles, can help in the essential early intervention and support.
Additionally, please note that possession of a vape pen containing THC may result in expulsion for up to one calendar year by the Taylor County Board of Education and will also be referred to local law enforcement.
To summarize:
· Vape pens are not FDA approved; therefore, the contents of the device and the amount of THC and other unknown substances in the pen is not strictly regulated.
· The health and welfare of our young people is dependent on our shared insistence that they do not experiment with Vaping as well as any other drugs.
· It’s going to take a united front to protect them from this dangerous practice as younger generations typically feel invincible. Simply put: We need your help as we cannot break this trend alone.
· Those conversations, although uncomfortable, may be our only way to protect them. And although they may not say so, they’re counting on us to do so.
Should you require further information or assistance on this matter, please do not hesitate to reach out to our school counselors or administrators. Let us collaborate to ensure the well-being and future success of our students.
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation.
Dr. John E. Stallings, Jr.
Superintendent