Dear Blue Devil Families,

The purpose of this message is to provide open and transparent communication about an issue which is increasing in frequency. Recently, we have seen an increase in student vaping in the bathrooms - both with nicotine and THC (marijuana). We care about each of our students and want to see them make healthy and responsible choices.

We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for students in the classroom, hallways, and bathrooms. Numerous students have expressed that they are uncomfortable using the bathrooms because of the vaping activity. Students must be free to utilize the bathroom without that concern.

Beginning this week, we will be taking the following steps to improve the environment for all students in the restrooms:

1. Increasing staff supervision

2. Limiting the number of open restrooms to ensure proper monitoring

3. Exploring additional opportunities to educate students about making healthy and responsible choices

Tobacco and marijuana use under the age of 21 is against the law. Per state law, Grosse Pointe Farms Police will be notified and appropriate legal action will be taken.

School consequences for vaping (nicotine and non-nicotine based) are as follows:

1. First Offense: 3 day temporary school separation

2. Second Offense: 5 day temporary school separation

3. Third Offense: Up to 10 day school suspension

School consequences for THC vaping (marijuana based):

1. First Offense: 10 day suspension - with the opportunity to reduce to 5 days with a restorative approach which includes counseling, community service, and random searches

2. Second Offense: 15 day suspension - with the opportunity to reduce to 10 days with additional restorative conditions

3. Third Offense results in the recommendation to the Superintendent for expulsion

Students who are involved in athletics and/or extracurricular clubs are also subject to additional consequences in accordance with the Extra Curricular Code of Conduct.

Associated with vaping, we are seeing an increase of multiple students utilizing the same restroom stall. Restroom stalls are for single use only. Multiple students observed in a stall is inappropriate behavior and the consequences will mirror the vaping (nicotine) consequences.

Please speak to your child about making healthy and responsible choices at school. Below are some resources for your viewing.

• Know the Facts - get credible info about the very real dangers and legal consequences of vaping at

• https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/

• consequences of vaping in school

• Listen - focus on dialogue not lecturing

• Set a positive example - if you need help quitting visit smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-Now

• There’s help - if your teen needs free help visit https://www.mylifemyquit.com/

We are here to help and support our students as they navigate through high school. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s administrator or counselor for additional information or support.

South Administration - Moussa Hamka, Cindy Parravano, Joseph Spryszak, and Brandon Wheeler