Vaping among students has become a pressing issue in many schools, and the Sanford School Department has taken proactive measures to tackle this concern head-on.
During the 2022-2023 school year, there were over 100 vaping violations at Sanford High School and Middle School combined.
Last spring, the department established a committee comprised of school administration, counselors, outreach staff, health teachers, representatives from Southern Maine Health Care, and the school committee.
The goal of the committee was to review the existing approach to vaping, identify what was working and what adjustments were needed, and develop a strategy to address this trend.
The committee began meeting last May and focused on three crucial aspects: education, prevention, and intervention. By evaluating the effectiveness of current strategies, the committee formed a plan that hopes to reduce vaping incidents among students.
Over the course of the summer, the committee worked to review the curriculum for grades 5-12 and made the decision to implement the “Catch My Breath” program in health classes.
The program provides in-depth education on the dangers of vaping, giving students the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions regarding their health.
The committee also established clear consequences and support for those who violate the school’s vaping policy, which includes educational components and counseling. This approach aims to address the underlying issues and provide students with the necessary guidance to overcome addictive behaviors.
As part of their commitment to provide support, the Sanford School Department has hired Substance Use Counselor Susan Lombardo. Lombardo’s duties include working with students who violate the vaping policy, offering counseling and support, and assisting students in overcoming their addiction.
“I also will be trained to facilitate the Catch My Breath program in conjunction with the health teachers,” Lombardo said. “ I am available for individual counseling for those students who have been identified as high risk for continued substance use and am a resource for students who have violated the substance use policy as a piece of their restorative plan to facilitate return to school. “
The Sanford School Department is hopeful that their proactive approach to educating students on the dangers of vaping will reduce these incidents in our buildings and help promote healthier choices.
If you are concerned about your child’s substance use, contact Lombardo a slombardo@sanford.org.
For more information and resources, head to mylifemyquit.org.
To learn more about the consequences of vaping on school grounds in Sanford, click here.