Morristown Schools Creating Vaping Intervention Program

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Morristown schools are in the process of creating a vaping intervention programs to help students who are addicted to their vapes, superintendent Mackey Pendergrast said in an email sent to parents.

Morristown school administrators deal with an average of two vaping incidents per week at the high school and middle school, Pendergrast. The four-week vaping intervention and support program, which will be overseen by trained school substance abuse counselors.

"Consistent with our firm belief that students must be supported by a web of connections with an array of adults, the Vaping Intervention and Support Program will bring together students, parents, counselors, teachers, and administrators as partners. Students enrolled in the program will follow an approved behavior plan, participate in regularly scheduled individual and group counseling sessions and check-ins, and complete instructional and reflective assignments in the interim," Pendergrast said.

In response to the vaping issue, school bathrooms are monitored, and entrance is controlled during lunchtime, Pendergrast said. Students caught vaping aren't referred to the police, but they face school disciplinary actions.

Calling it a national epidemic, Pendergrast said students and parents can learn about the dangers of vaping and tobacco the following ways:

• Small-group interactive sessions with all 7th and 8th grade students during PE/Health classes, conducted by this same expert, to take place at FMS in March and April.
• Presentation by this expert to all district parents on March 7, covering the impact of vaping on the adolescent brain as well as how to detect and prevent teen vaping.
• Follow-up conversations with parents at spring HSA meetings at FMS and MHS so that parents may direct their questions and concerns to our principals.