CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School is reiterating its total ban on tobacco products in the wake of increased vaping and electronic cigarette use reported on campus.
“Nationally, vaping has become a problem in schools. CCHS is no different,” Charlotte Catholic High School’s Principal Kurt Telford wrote in a letter sent home to parents Nov. 16.
The high school’s longstanding tobacco ban states: “Students are not permitted to possess, smoke, or use any type of tobacco product or electronic cigarettes on campus or at school-sponsored events.” The ban extends to all school hours and after school events.
“The health and safety of our students remains of paramount importance to us,” Telford wrote, and he reminded parents, “Because of potential harm to our students, vaping is not allowed on the campus at CCHS or at school-sponsored events.”
The high school is also stepping up the penalties for using electronic cigarettes and vaping, according to the letter.
According to the student handbook, the no-tobacco policy calls for students to receive in-school suspension for smoking or using any tobacco or electronic cigarette products, and detention or suspension for possessing them. Repeated use or possession could result in forced withdrawal or expulsion.
“At this time, vaping in class will result in immediate withdrawal from CCHS,” the Nov. 16 letter states. “The first time a student is caught vaping anywhere else on campus, the student will be suspended from CCHS and enrolled in drug testing.
“The second time a student is caught vaping in restrooms or anywhere else on campus, the student may be forced to withdraw from Charlotte Catholic High School.”
In North Carolina, like most states, the sale of vaping products is prohibited to those under 18.
Nationally, vaping has become a problem in schools as more teenagers are using electronic cigarettes. While some claim it is harmless, studies show ear, eye and throat irritation are common among users. While long-term effects aren’t known, the harmful chemicals are inhaled and can leave residue in the lungs. And the second-hand effects could also be harmful.
Vape pens can contain nicotine and may also be used for illegal substances.
According a recent National Youth Tobacco Survey, an estimated 16 percent of high schoolers vaped in 2015. That’s 2.39 million teens compared to the 1.37 million high school students who reported smoking cigarettes.
— Catholic News Herald. Photo courtesy of PixaBay.
WINSTON-SALEM — On Oct. 4, Our Lady of Mercy students celebrated the feast of St. Francis with the Secular Franciscan Order, the Fraternity of St. Clare. Members of the third-grade class served as lectors during the Oct. 4 Mass.
The school and community were privileged to be witnesses as the Secular Franciscan Order, along with Franciscan Sister Kathy Ganiel and Franciscan Father Calixto Salvatierra Moreno, renewed their religious vows.
— Photos provided by Katrina Capistrano and Father Carl Zdancewicz
