MCS administrators warn parents about the consequences of students being caught with vaping devices

MADISON – Administrators at Madison City Schools are trying to get the message across to parents – vaping by students or possession of vaping devices will not be tolerate within the schools.

A message was sent Monday from the principals of the city’s middle and high schools letting parents know what would happen if students are caught with vaping devices.

“If a student of Madison City Schools is caught with a vaping device on campus or at an extracurricular activity, the consequence is five days of out of school suspension followed by an administrative hearing, which could result in Alternative School placement,” the message stated. “Possession of e-cigarettes and other such devices are considered drug paraphernalia and is classified as a Class III violation.”

Last year alone, vaping increased 78% in high school students and 48% in middle school students nationwide. The U.S. Surgeon General has called e-cigarette use among our youth an “epidemic”.

This trend is also true in Madison City Schools, say school leaders.

“As we continue to 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 chemicals. Illegal drug use is also becoming more common in e-cigarettes and vape form.”

The message to parents continued by saying, “Illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are prohibited on all of our campuses. Madison City Schools has taken a very strict stance in order to deter our students from making a poor and possibly life altering decision to vape.

“Our hope is that by partnering with parents and having conversations with students about the dangers of vaping and its negative consequences, we can reverse the trend in Madison City Schools. During the first days of school each secondary principal has discussed vaping and the consequences with every student. We appreciate your partnership and hope we can continue to educate our students about these dangers. Thank you for your support!”