LPOSD launches anti-vaping program

Lake Pend Oreille School District is tackling the problem of vaping by holding teenagers accountable but also supporting and encouraging them to avoid the destructive addiction by providing preventive programs and introducing healthy habits. 

LPOSD schools are in the business of educating students and “this is an example of how we can educate students to make better decisions," said Jacki Crossingham, Sandpoint High School principal.

Companies routinely target young people with marketing and enticing new products. One in five Idaho teens reportedly has tried vaping. Lured by flavors and easy-to-disguise-and-hide devices, kids become easily addicted to vaping due to the high levels of nicotine found in almost all vapes.

LPOSD’s goal is to implement a tobacco and nicotine-free culture that provides a proactive educational environment that supports students who wish to quit.

While the district maintains strict prohibition of nicotine or tobacco, it also responds to vaping first offenses with support measures, instead of just punitive action. When caught, first offenders attend a vaping remediation and education program, called INDEPTH, taught by Kristina Gavin, one of the district’s two school nurses.

Rather than suspending students from school — where they may simply continue to vape — this program has demonstrated to be effective in showing them strategies to become less dependent on vaping.

“E-cigarettes have harmful chemicals like formaldehyde that can cause cancer. Another thing is that teenagers' brains are still developing and nicotine is highly addictive, and if teenagers vape, it harms their brain,” Gavin said.

The district’s multifaceted vaping prevention effort received a technological enhancement this summer because of a $60,000 state grant that paid for 22 vape detectors, installed across the district’s three high school campuses.

“The ultimate goal with vape detectors, or any other consequence, is to get them to break the habit and make healthy choices for a lifetime,” Crossingham said.

These detectors allow trusted adults more in-person interactions with young people during high violation times, because they can no longer avoid detection by vaping in school restrooms during passing periods. Now, teachers and security officers can more easily intervene in students’ lives with the intent of increasing awareness and providing support for healthy options.

"Every student matters. When we can deter them from this addictive behavior by educating them in health classes, our district education program and vape detectors, we blanket students with accountability and emphasize positive choices,” said JD McElroy, one of three district campus security officers.

LPOSD employs three full-time CSOs, who routinely create trusting relationships with students as they monitor and patrol school property.

"Our CSOs are crucial to keeping our campus safe. Vape detectors make their jobs more efficient and effective in order to be able to focus on every student, every day and to keep the emphasis on inspiring learning," Crossingham said.