News from AMS - Special Edition
October 13, 2021
Talking to Middle School Kids about Vaping
That's why I am reaching out today to let you know we have seen an uptick in vaping among our middle school students. I am not an overreactor or a "sky is falling" type of leader. This is not an epidemic, and it's important for me to say that it is only a very small percentage of our student body who we know are vaping. But we also know how small things can get bigger if not addressed, so I am reaching out to ask for your help in speaking with your children about vaping. Even if your child has always done the right things, and you know he/she would never partake of such behaviors, please consider starting a conversation about this potentially damaging behavior that many young people think is "cool."
I am not a certified expert on this or any other public health concern, but there are a few things I have learned through the years that I frequently share with students:
One is that while most of us experimented with unsafe behaviors when we were teens and learned some lessons the hard way, when it comes to drugs, alcohol and tobacco, the developmental level of the brain really matters. Our students' brains are in a critical time of development, and drugs, alcohol, tobacco, vaping, etc. can dangerously disrupt that development. In short, while perhaps those substances aren't good for us at any time in our lives, they are particularly bad for us - and can have long-term effects on us - when we are 11-14 years old.
The other is that school should be an almost sacred place. Students today seem to bring everything into school with them - their emotional challenges, their good and bad habits, their social relationships, etc. Those who do the best, though, are those who can to some degree leave their "stuff" at the door and bring only their best selves into the building. I will be very honest with you, and those of you who knew me in the 1980's know it's true - I made a lot of mistakes as a kid - I mean, A LOT of mistakes. But, as I matured, I learned not to make them in or around school. That was a big step forward for me, and I hope our kids will learn to value what school means to their lives the way I eventually did (though I was admittedly a little late in coming to that realization).
The rest of the tips I will leave to the experts. I have included below some tips on talking to kids about vaping and some information that you may find useful as you learn more about the topic. Always, always, always, know that you can contact our guidance counselors and/or administrators if you need to talk something through about this or any other topic that pertains to raising middle schoolers.
In an attempt to ensure that our students understand how seriously we take this information, our Health Teacher, Mr. Dunn (who is a certified expert on this topic) and I will be meeting with each team of students in the weeks to come to reiterate with them the dangers of vaping and the commitment I have to keeping drugs, alcohol, tobacco and vapes out of our school. Additionally, we are working to schedule a time for the District Attorney's Educational Outreach Unit to come to AMS to share their perspective with our kids in an age appropriate fashion.
Thank you for all your support through these difficult times. Things are still really hard, but here in Auburn, we do have it better than most.
FDA Infographic
Types of Vapes
COVID Update - Test and Stay Program
This is an awesome opportunity for us to be able to keep our kids in school. Students are declared as close contacts through no fault of their own - usually, just because of where they sit in class or at lunch. I know we all agree that they need to be in school. Please, if you have not already done so, complete the consent form below for your child to participate in the program.
In the event that your child is declared a close contact, you will be notified by the nursing staff and instructions will be given for Test and Stay. But we will not be able to test your child unless your consent is given.
Progress Report Time!
If you have any questions about your child's grades, please contact the specific teacher or your child's guidance counselor.
Upcoming Curriculum Night
Unfortunately, we still have to do this on Zoom, but it will be an opportunity to meet your child's teachers, find out more about each class and ask any questions you may have.
I look forward to seeing you there.