Dear Spartan Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
QVSD schools, like many other schools, have seen a spike in incidents involving student vaping. The
purpose of this letter is to inform you of the issue, give you resources if you feel your child is involved in
this kind of behavior, as well as alert you to possible repercussions if your child engages in vaping on
school property. We take this issue very seriously due to the negative health effects vaping can have on
our students and often find that our parents are often not aware of the risks around vaping.
Recently, FHS & FJHS installed Vaper Sensors in the middle school & high school bathrooms. Our staff
wants to be proactive and help prevent the use of e-cigarettes, also known as Juuling, among students as
much as possible. Consequences will follow the QVSD handbook. If a student’s personal property needs
to be searched, QVSD board policy 3230; Student privacy and searches will be followed.
Vaping is the act of inhaling a vapor produced by an electronic vaporizer or e-cigarette. The vapor
can contain nicotine and other substances which is concerning. The liquids that are vaporized come in
many different flavors and might even smell fruity. For example, many of the flavors of these
liquid concentrates, or ‘vape juices’, are sweet and even have names such as, cinnamon roll,
marshmallow, grape, strawberry, bubblegum, lemonade and cookies.
Vaporizers/e-cigarettes come in all different shapes. Some common styles we see look like a thick pen,
a stylus for an iPad, a flash drive, or a small flask with a round chimney coming off the top. The devices
are very small and can easily be hidden on a person or blend in with normal backpack items. Like
cigarettes, stores cannot sell vaping items to people under the age of 21. However, students report that
they purchase the devices online or buy from older siblings, friends, or unfortunately even parents.
When student’s vape in school bathrooms it can be due to an addiction to nicotine they have
developed, a peer pressure issue, or they are simply curious and want to try it out. In any case, spending
excessive time out of class is heavily correlated to lower grades and understanding of material.
Additionally, vaping on school grounds negatively impacts students and staff who do not want to be
exposed to or breathe in vapor.
The Surgeon General reports that nicotine is addictive and can harm brain development,
which continues until about age 25. We know that using nicotine may make it harder for school related
tasks such as learning and concentration. Students may not be aware of the harmful effects of vaping.
Vaping is prohibited by the QVSD Student & Parent Handbook, which all students and
parents/guardians sign off on to acknowledge their understanding of the School District policies. We
hope you find this letter informative and understand our concerns about this potentially harmful issue.
Our goal is to partner with parents to help support our students in making positive decisions for
themselves and their future. We encourage you to have a conversation with your student(s) about this
topic. As we learn more, we will certainly share that information.
Finally, below you will find a series of images of electronic cigarette or vapes to help you understand
what these devices look like. Thank you for your continued support of our school system.
Cindy M. Feasel
FHS Principal
RESOURCES FOR PARENTS ON VAPING:
Quick Facts on the Risks of E-cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and ...
https://www.cdc.gov › tobacco › basic information › Q...
Talk with Your Teen About E-cigarettes: A Tip Sheet for Parents
https://e-cigarettes.surgeonge... › documents
Tips for Teens: E-Cigarettes - SAMHSA Publications