Drug use is a major issue not only in school, but in the entire generation. 58.2% of students know someone who vapes, drinks, or does other drugs during school hours. Vaping in the school affects nearly everyone because all students have to deal with strict policies and the smell in the bathrooms.
“I have adverse reactions to certain scents and can have difficulty breathing for the rest of the day after being in the bathroom with students vaping,” Vee Kubiak, senior, said.
The majority of students see or smell vapes in the bathroom frequently. Only 8.2% of students reported never seeing or smelling vaping in the bathroom, whereas 10% avoid the bathrooms altogether. This is a growing issue in the school, and the preventative measures put in place, such as the securely pass system, haven’t seemed to stop the issue.
“I’m tired of smelling vape whenever I go into the bathroom; it’s almost like certain bathrooms are no longer bathrooms and are more like hotboxes,” Jacob Matulis, junior, said.
69.1% of students believe that drug use is a major issue in the school. The majority of students have seen evidence of others doing drugs, and many have been affected by it.
“[Drug use] has stayed consistent with the exception of after Christmas break this year, I feel like it has skyrocketed,” Dean Klier, school police officer, said.
58.2% of students believe the school needs more preventative measures. The current policies have made it more difficult to use the bathrooms, but students are still caught with drugs. When a student is caught, the school has a procedure in place.
“If the student has used it, they have to get checked out by the school nurse, because every person reacts differently to it,” Klier said.
Students have had dangerous reactions to drugs in the past, requiring an ambulance. As many know, this can cause a soft lockdown. After the initial incident, the student will likely be suspended. Along with a suspension, the school counselors often work with students to help them with drug issues.
“We are always looking for ways to curb vaping in our bathrooms. Our staff have been doing a great job in checking the bathrooms along with using the e-pass system,” Matthew Ambrose, assistant principal, said.
While the school does not have its own program to help students with addictions, they do what they can to connect students with outside programs. Many schools are looking for ways to stop drug use and vaping, in a multitude of ways.
“Education is the best way to help teens understand the negative effects. But also being close with family and friends and having positive outlets in sports or hobbies,” Ambrose said.
The staff are always working to stop drug use in the school.
“My advice would be to simply stop. Nothing good is going to come from doing any of those things. Reach out for help if you need it,” Ambrose said.
