Dear Burlington Township Families,

This is the third in a series of three letters to all Burlington Township Community Members about keeping our children safe, the effects of vaping and how to take control of an emerging crisis that is growing in popularity. Although this letter series is focused on vaping, the program will cover all aspects of drug use and abuse which we see in our community.  Below is also a special message from Tim Shoemaker that you should read!

Children today are constantly bombarded with messages and images that many of us would consider inappropriate.  From violence, to sex, to glorified drug use the vivid imagery is everywhere.  Our technological advances have led to increases in comfort, ease, information, and instant access to people all over the world.  We truly exist in a global environment.  This generation of children and young adults are learning skills to allow them to live in this brave new world.  As parents and educators, we try to provide guidance that allows for better decision making.  In past generations, the parent was more involved in determining when and how a child became aware of various aspects of life.  Today, however, parents, students, educators, and society have to face that a child will become exposed to life's realities almost instantaneously.  Information is moving faster than parenting.  

An example of this would be the increasing popularity of vaping among our children.  Like most topics, there are many views of how safe or unsafe it is.  Just search the internet. In seconds, there will be millions of articles, sites for purchasing supplies, images, and advertisements.  Quickly, you will find articles that proclaim the virtues of vaping and insistence that it is safe.  Often these are sponsored by those who make money from their sale.  Conversely, you will find articles that say we simply do not know the long term effects since this is only a decade old.  You will find sites that claim there is only flavorings and avoid mention that the same device can be used to deliver concentrated forms of mind-altering drugs.

As a school district, we have adopted policies that address possession of tobacco, electronic devices, controlled substances, and alcohol.  Under New Jersey Administrative Code, any student who is exhibiting signs of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol must be tested.  Parents will be contacted to take their child to get tested.  This is the law and it allows families the opportunity to help children early.  There is a real threat to our children's safety.  The threat increases when the age decreases, as we have seen.  Younger children are even less equipped to handle complex concerns.  Most young people do not consider the health consequence of activities.  After all, if it does not immediately hurt, how can it be bad?

Like almost every district with a high school or middle school, we can assume that vaping, including vaping of controlled substances, is prevalent in our schools.  If you believe your child has not tried this growing phenomenon, or believe your child has not been exposed to the topic by others, you need to join us on February 27, 2018 at 6:30 P.M. to find out what may be "High-Ding in Plain Sight."

Mary Ann Bell

REGISTER TODAY!!!!!

ONE NIGHT ONLY - INVITE YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY & NEIGHBORS!

The following is a message from Tim Shoemaker: 

You won't believe what's been 'high-ding' in plain sight, and what you're missing could kill your kids. Vaping, Edibles, Legal Synthetic Highs, Fake Dietary Supplements, Instantly Addictive Opiates...and much, much more! 

Drug use, intoxication and concealment have benefited from dramatic advances in science and commercial creativity. Every element, from sale, to delivery, to possession and use is now effectively accomplished right under the nose of parents and officials. This riveting presentation drags all these secrets into the light of day; giving communities the real opportunity to save lives. 

Can you reliably detect intoxication? Is it safe to have Korova cookies at your next party? Is vaping really harmless? Have you actually be buying illegal drugs for your kid without knowing it? What does Robitussin have to do with heroine use? Is that graphic T-Shirt screaming drug use for all to see? Why are so many kids today becoming poly-drug users before they even graduate high school?

More that 16% of American teens grow up to be drug addicts, but we can protect yours. Register for this class and get an amazingly rare look behind the drug scene. With over 100 hands-on displays of drug placebos, popular paraphernalia, concealment devices and subtle danger signs, this is the most visually stunning and practically informative drug prevention class in the country. Combined with our nationally acclaimed, expert instructor, you will be entertained, enlightened and empowered to make a real difference in your community. Register now!

  

Parent Resources

Our goal is to provide parents and guardians with the information they need to help their children.  It takes everyone to address this growing trend.

Resources for Parents:

• Burlington County Coalition for Health Communities Winter 2018 Newsletter
   
• North Jersey.com: North Jersey schools crack down on vaping with drug testing, suspensions, January 2018
   
• USAToday: 'Dripping' may be a new, dangerous trend for teens who vape, February 2017
   
• USAToday Article, December 2016 (this may be little dated, the devices pictures here are much, much smaller and the amount of "vape" or steam likely is much less than pictured.)

• The Verge: Teens are vaping more than ever, and not just nicotine, December 2016