Parents and Guardians.
I am writing to inform you about a new procedure that will be implemented starting on November 6, 2023. Mr. Slattery and his administrative team have been diligently working to ensure a safe campus environment, free from any disruptive items that could hinder the learning process. I want to assure you that every decision we make is aimed at supporting and ensuring the safety of your students. Our administrative staff has done an exceptional job this year in maintaining a safe campus environment. Their visibility and relationships have significantly improved the safety of the building.
Vaping has become a growing concern nationwide, and we are not immune to this issue. We have been fortunate to have vape sensors installed at the high school, which alert the administration when students are actively using vape pens in the bathrooms. However, we have identified a small number of students who have made the unwise choice to bring vape pens containing tobacco or marijuana to school, which is illegal for minors to possess. This poses a threat to the overall learning environment and is detrimental to their safety, as they may be impaired, which can lead to significant safety issues.
While we do have the right to search students if there is reasonable suspicion of possession of controlled substances or items that may be considered unsafe, some students have concealed their vape pens in ways that make it difficult for us to conduct effective searches. Effective on November 6, 2023, any student found in the bathroom when the vaping alarm is activated will be asked to empty their personal belongings, and a non-invasive wand search will be conducted on the student. This approach aligns with our school policy, allowing administrators to conduct searches while respecting students' rights in accordance with the school district's responsibility to maintain a conducive educational atmosphere. The use of handheld metal detectors will also be less invasive for administrators when conducting searches. If your student refuses to allow administrators to conduct a search using a handheld metal detector, administration will contact parents, and you will be required to meet with the administrator to discuss next steps before your student is allowed to reenter class.
It's important to note that these searches will only occur when there is reasonable suspicion and will be carried out exclusively by administrators. Our primary goal is to create a safe and secure learning environment for all students. We kindly request that, as guardians, you have a discussion with your students about the importance of not bringing these items to school and remind them that these items remain illegal on campus. Specifically, the possession of marijuana remains a felony for students on campus, and as a district, we are mandated to report these instances to the police department.
If you have any concerns or questions about this new procedure, please feel free to reach out to my office. Your input and support are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Michael P. Lovato
Superintendent