Angelica Ramos
Contributing Writer
MONTGOMERY COUNTY- Auburn High School Principal David Hurd recently addressed the Montgomery County School Board on Auburn’s efforts to reduce vaping in school.
Hurd explained students had had expressed to the administration that they were uncomfortable using the bathrooms in school because other students had been vaping in there. The students who were not vaping were afraid to be associated with vaping and its consequences. According to Hurd’s presentation, a recent study showed 40 percent of eleventh graders were using these electronic vapor devices daily. Even 20 percent of seventh graders were using them daily.
Due to this, Auburn High School partnered with a prevention organization and Salem High School students, to design prevention and awareness messaging that Auburn would show in school on digital screens. Auburn High School also installed vape detection boxes in each of the eight public bathrooms throughout the school. These devices are monitored by AHS administration and faculty.
“The way this works is,” Hurd said, “students found to be in possession of a vapor or to trigger a vape detector will receive in-school suspension for two days and receive an online Information Program about healthy choices through our Healthy Futures online program. This is conducted in a supervised environment. That supervised environment is in-school suspension. Students meet with their school counselor on the first offense as well. Students are provided with a card with information about quitting. Second time offenders are referred to in-person counseling for cessation.”
Those involved with this program at Auburn High School explained to the school board that this isn’t about shaming or punishment, they are doing this to protect their students and give them the resources and support they need. Thus far, Hurd explained, they’ve seen a positive change inside the school.