Habersham Central High School is taking a stand on vape pens and similar devices.
Principal Dr. Jonathan Stribling sent out all-call messages via email and phone Monday night to alert parents that students will be arrested for any violations of school policy involving vape pens of any kind.
“Law enforcement actions pursued may include felony or misdemeanor charges resulting in arrest, or a juvenile complaint requiring the violator to appear before the Juvenile Court Judge,” Stribling said in his message.
Vaping and “e-cigarette” use is on the rise among teens and they are easily concealable and odorless.
“From my perspective as principal, the issue is a serious student safety concern in our school,” Stribling said. “Vaping devices like juuls, dab pens, and carts are easily accessible, but they are not harmless. ... The oils contained in these devices may contain harmful chemicals such as very high levels of nicotine, THC (the mood-altering chemical found in marijuana), and others. It is not possible for a student to know exactly what is in the oil being inhaled.”
Stribling said parents should be aware that vaping has become popular among all student groups.
“A high concentration of addictive chemicals coupled with a teenager’s need to be accepted by peers is a dangerous combination for our students,” Stribling said.
Stribling said the school has seen an increase in the number of incidents involving vaping on the Habersham Central campus this year.
“This increase prompted me to revise our consequence structure to pursue charges through the
Habersham County Sheriff’s Office,” Stribling said. “I am appreciative of the partnership Habersham Central High School has with the Sheriff’s Office and for their unwavering support. I am constantly revising procedures at Habersham Central to ensure our students’ safety, promote academic achievement, and create an environment that appropriately represents our great community.”
Stribling reached out to Lt. Murray Kogod with the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office to lay out this new approach to the problem.
“He wanted to be up front with the students and not pull any punches,” Kogod said. “The normal route of disciplinary action alone was not working, and this takes it to the next level. Dr. Stribling also was adamant that the parents appear in court with the students as well, because if they don’t know, they need to be informed, and if they do know, they need to be held accountable.”
Kogod helped the school with three assemblies Monday morning to hammer home the point that this needed to be taken seriously.
“The top priority at Habersham Central High School is to keep our students safe. ... Do your own research and talk to your student about their possible use of vaping devices,” Stribling cautioned parents. “Plan to support the severe school and law enforcement consequences that will be imposed on students who possess or use any vaping device on school grounds.”