Dear Mercy Parent/Guardian,
The health and safety of our students is a priority at Mercy High School and we are proud to continually enhance the support structures for our students. Mercy High School is a nicotine and drug free campus as detailed in our Student and Family Handbook. We recently received grant funding, allowing us to install vape detectors. The presence of these detectors confirms the use of vaping devices by students. This fact causes concern for the health of students who do vape.
Vaping can impede student learning and well being. A CDC study found that 99% of the e-cigarettes sold in the United States contained nicotine. Adolescent use of nicotine can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. Use of nicotine may also increase the risk for future addiction to other drugs. Vaping devices can also be used to deliver dangerous substances such as marijuana and alcohol; furthermore they are illegal for minors.
Out of concern, parents will be notified by Administration if a student is confirmed or suspected of vaping on our Mercy campus. Awareness and education is an important part of our vaping prevention program. Informational resources, consultation with our school nurse, and a required curriculum will be presented to students for first offenses.
We value your partnership in keeping our students safe. Thank you for talking to your daughter about the risks of vaping and her important role in keeping Mercy High School a nicotine and drug free environment.
In Mercy,
Patricia Sattler, Principal
Eleasha Tarplin '94, Dean of Student Affairs
