Submitted by Donna Hayward, HKHS Principal & Dolores Bates, HKMS Principal.
(Sept., 13, 2019) — We are reaching out to partner with parents to address the issue of teen vaping. As you are likely aware, vaping has increased in use over the last few years and is an issue for families and schools alike. We want to be sure that our parent community is aware of the educational components already in place at our schools as well as our ongoing collaboration with local resources such as Haddam Killingworth Youth and Family Services (HKYFS) to address the issue. Our efforts, combined with yours as parents/guardians at home, are more impactful than if either of us works alone on this public health concern.
In recent months, this issue has been in the news with increasing frequency, especially in light of the first deaths directly attributed to vape. Just this week, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued a public advisory to individuals who vape to cease immediately over significant health risks (​CDC Director’s Statement​).
At both HKHS and HKMS, our Health curriculum includes lessons on the dangers of vaping.  Two resources that are used include a ​PowerPoint from the Yale School of Medicine​, and YouTube video on the science behind vaping.​ In addition, the HKHS Advisory program includes a session on vaping with a definite goal of persuading students not to vape. This is what a typical vaping device looks like:
Alerts for Parents: The Juul of the E-Cigarette — The Juul is a model of an electronic cigarette that is rapidly growing in popularity with students. The pocket-sized vaping device has a simple compact design that, at a quick glance, resembles a USB flash drive.  Users load the Juul with juice-flavored nicotine cartridges (pods) which can be easily replaced. The device is rechargeable with a miniscule USB charger.
In the coming weeks, many of you will be attending Open Houses at HKMS and HKHS. Haddam Killingworth Youth and Family Services will have a table at each event, featuring more information about vaping. Parents will be able to see typical devices, and speak with HKYFS staff about resources and services offered.
We hope that you will take some time to speak with your sons and daughters about this issue. Together, we hope to effectively encourage our young people to make the choice not to vape.
