Vaping Information

Dear Heritage Families, 

With the safety of our students a major priority, an issue we continue to address in Madison City Schools is student vaping.  What we are beginning to notice is usage of vapes among elementary-aged students.  Although these occurrences are very low, we want to make sure that you are aware of the consequences of being in possession and/or use of a vaping device.  

As we encourage our students to make smart decisions, we ask that you also have a conversation with your child about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes.  Not only do these devices contain high levels of nicotine, they also contain other dangerous and sometimes unknown chemicals.  It has also become more common for illegal drugs to be used in vape form.  THC, the principal psychoactive constituent in marijuana and even fentanyl, has been found in vape form.  Fentanyl-laced vaping overdoses have been documented by the Drug Enforcement Agency as far back as 2018.  

Madison City Schools has taken a very strict stance in order to deter our students from making poor and possibly life-altering decisions.  If an elementary student is caught with a vaping device on campus, on a school bus, or at an extracurricular activity, the consequence is 5 days of out-of-school suspension followed by 10 days of Alternative School.   A second offense, and/or the device tests positive for drugs, will result in the consequences stated above and/or further disciplinary measures deemed to be appropriate.  It is important that students know they are subject to the Code of Student Conduct anytime they are on campus, on a school bus, or at an extra-curricular event.  Illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are prohibited on all of our campuses.  Possession of vapes and vapor devices and other such devices are considered drug paraphernalia and classified as a Class III violation.  It is also important to note that the legal age to purchase and/or to use any tobacco products and vaping devices in Alabama is 21. 

Our hope is that by partnering with parents and having conversations with students about the dangers of vaping and its negative consequences, we can greatly curtail its use.  We strongly encourage parents to know what is going on in your child's life by periodically checking their belongings (room, backpack, etc.).  We appreciate your partnership and hope we can continue to educate our students about these dangers.  Thank you