By Jackie Pollack
Dr. Kristopher Harrison has deemed vaping an “epidemic” and has now taken steps to address vaping in IHS and IMS.
An email sent to the Irvington community informing everyone of the district’s decision to install vaping detectors in undisclosed bathrooms throughout the campus, stated, “across the nation the use of vaping devices, such as JUUL, have reached epidemic proportions.”
In the email, Dr. Harrison addresses the detrimental effects of vaping including lung disease and in the worst case, death. The district emphasizes its efforts to keep their students healthy and disengaged from any toxic activities.
“The district is committed to providing various supports and interventions that will be led by the student assistance counselor and which may also include appropriate disciplinary responses,” the email states.
The school has been working with Irvington About Safe Kids — Community Advisory Board (iASK-CAB) to further educate people about the concerning effects of vaping “with an emphasis on helping our youth grow up healthy, happy and responsible.”
The district’s main concern is to ensure that they have “an unwavering commitment to supporting students’ social and emotional well-being, as well as encouraging students to make healthy life decisions.”
