Looking for vaping or wellness resources? Corpus Christi ISD to hold community event
As Corpus Christi ISD continues to see students vaping, the district is planning a community event to inform families about vaping, as well as other health and wellness topics.
According to data provided by Corpus Christi ISD, between August and December, district middle schools reported 225 vaping infractions by students. That's twice as many disciplinary infractions than the middle schools reported last year over the same period — there were only 106 middle school vaping-related disciplinary infractions last fall.
CCISD middle schools cover sixth, seventh and eighth grade. At the high school level, which includes ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th grade, schools across the district reported 216 vaping infractions during the first semester. That number has remained relatively unchanged since last fall, when schools reported 214 vaping infractions.
"Something we're seeing across the United States is a vaping epidemic, with youth who are vaping or using other tobacco products," CCISD Coordinator for Mental Health Services Maria Iyescas said. "...We are seeing an increase — what are we going to do about it?"
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey, overall tobacco use declined during the 2022-23 school year among high school students, primarily due a drop in e-cigarette use.
But, the survey also showed an increase in overall tobacco product use among middle school students, with no significant change for any individual tobacco product type.
According to the survey, 10% of U.S. students surveyed reported the use of any tobacco product, with e-cigarettes being the most popular product for the tenth year in a row.
Under state law, Texas public schools must prohibit students from smoking, using or possessing e-cigarettes or tobacco products at school or during school-sanctioned activities.
Due to a state law change in 2023, the consequence for school e-cigarette-related offenses in Texas is now a mandatory placement in a disciplinary alternative education program.
In CCISD, students who are caught vaping on campus must attend a three-day differentiated removal program, which features evidence-based curriculum on vaping, drug abuse, responsible decision-making and positive social relationships.
"It encompasses everything from the decision-making process to peer pressure to alternatives to the harm drugs can do," Iyescas said.
The Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse also gives presentations to middle and high school students about vaping.
The district is holding a "Helping Others Through Prevention and Education" vaping prevention and health and wellness symposium from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Carroll High School. The event is free and open to the public.
"One of the goals of this HOPE symposium is to provide education on vaping, vaping prevention, providing alternatives for stress, alternative coping skills when students are upset and talking about the possibilities of addiction and the health risks that are associated with this," Iyescas said.
In addition to informational sessions on vaping from the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the symposium will also include a session focused on other health topics, including nutrition, diabetes, the importance of sleep and immunizations.
"Something fun that we're doing that we haven't done in any of our HOPE symposiums before is we're offering some physical activities for families to join in on," Iyescas said.
Families can participate in martial arts or yoga for beginners.
More than 30 community agencies will also have tables at the event. Childcare will be available during the event while parents attend sessions, though students are welcome to attend sessions as well, Iyescas said.
Los Encinos Elementary School dance team, the Veterans Memorial High School mariachi band and the Mireles Elementary School dance team will perform during the event.
The district's first HOPE symposium was held last year, focused on drug prevention. About 25 people attended. The district held a second HOPE symposium during spring focused on mental health, drawing more than 100 attendees.
The district will hold another HOPE symposium in the spring, again focused on mental health.
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: How to attend Corpus Christi ISD's vaping symposium
