In our school district, we address vaping and substance abuse in our Health and Physical Education Curriculum starting in the 6th grade. This curriculum is created in coordination with our partners at Providence St. Patrick Hospital’s Coordinated Approach To Child Health (CATCH) program. We also have clear district policy prohibiting the use of any tobacco products, including vapor products, on any of our campuses - including our parking lots and playfields. This prohibition extends to everyone - including students, parents, community members and fans of sporting events.

Several of our middle and high schools have hosted all-school assemblies and parent education nights in coordination with the American Lung Association or the City County Health Department and Project Success Counselors about the perils of vaping and substance abuse.

When students are caught with tobacco products (including vapor products) in our schools, they are subject to school discipline as well as criminal charges of Minor in Possession which carry fines and other legal consequences.

For information regarding Missoula County Public Schools Board policies, visit the MCPS policy webpage.

Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action as described within the Student Code of Conduct found in each school’s Student Handbook.

Educate yourself about e-cigarettes and vapor products. These are helpful resources from the Office of Public Instruction and the Montana Department of Public Health:

E-cigarettes, Vapes & JUUL: The New Nicotine Addiction in Montana

Montana Office of Public Instruction Resources on E-Cigarettes

Be aware of the signs of vaping:

• Fruity aroma - most e-liquids have flavors like mint, vanilla, and fruit punch.
• Unfamiliar hand-held gadgets - like pens, Juuls (specific brand popular with students that can resemble a computer memory stick).  

Tobacco Free California helps parents recognize vapor devices 

• Increased thirstiness - some of the chemicals in e-cigarettes cause dry mouth.
• Different batteries and chargers - vaporizers need to be charged, most use a USB cable or plug directly into a USB port.
• Discarded atomizers, cartridges,and pods - the atomizers turn the e-juice into vapor and are rechargeable and eventually disposable.
• Unaccounted expenditures of money - these products are not cheap.

Continue to have conversations with your child/children about the dangers of vaping and other forms of drug use.

The American Lung Association Resource for parents: The Vape Talk

In an effort to help students quit the use of electronic cigarettes Montana has partnered with nine other states to launch enhanced tobacco cessation programs for teens called, My Life, My Quit.  Teens can text or call a toll-free number (1-855-891-9989) dedicated for teens, or they can visit mylifemquit.com for real-time coaching.  Through the program, teens work with a coach who listens and understands their unique needs, provides personalized support, and helps them build a quit plan to become free from nicotine.