9/27/18
Recently, the CDC released a series of reports on vaping and teenagers. While the numbers are alarming, the really troubling statistic they reported is that 4 million American teens have used vapes to smoke marijuana. I've not come across marijuana vapes before but I can tell you our teenagers are vaping at very high rates. It goes on everywhere...including our bathrooms. Many of our kids have totally bought into the idea that "it's just water vapor" and "it's safer than cigarettes." There is very little if any smell and the e-cigs are very concealable. Just ask your teenager about vaping and you will probably be surprised by their answer.
Here is the CDC report:
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm
Many schools have instituted very strict cell phone policies in the area this year. We have stuck to the one that we have had for years. I always ask parents at the end of each year if they would like to change it and the answer has always been nearly unanimous. This year we did have to tweak it a bit due to a large number of students that can not be photographed. There are various reasons students can't be photographed. Foster care, abduction risk, federal requests, etc. are just a few we've seen. In order to protect those students as well as our school, we've told students that any picture taken between the first and last bells of the day will result in a Saturday school for the first offense. Students can get either my permission or Mr. Westerland's permission if they need to take a picture for some reason. The good news is that the kids have been very accepting and understanding of the new rule. We've had very few issues and the students seem to understand that it's about the safety of all of us. All that being said, I've got to knock on wood right away!
This is late notice but I thought Homecoming went very smoothly. Thank you to Mr. Lienau, the ELC and all the adults who chaperoned.
Tonight is the rare 4 Event Night. It happens once a year. We have two soccer games, swimming and jv football all home. Come on out tonight and see lots of kids doing fun things.
Scott Sherman
It's A Great Day To Be A Packer!
Support Information
Arbor Circle in Newaygo County: http://www.arborcircle.org/programs-services
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 24/7 trained support
Crisis Text Line for Teens Text "Listen" to 741-741 24/7 trained support
Please remember to remind your child to report any neglect or bullying they see. 