Dear Connally Junior High Families,
This week, I want to address a critical issue affecting students nationwide, including here at Connally Junior High: vaping. It has come to our attention that some students are bringing vape devices to school, seeing it as a "cool" activity. While these students may not fully understand the dangers, it’s important that we make both the health risks and serious school consequences very clear to students and families alike.
The Hidden Dangers of Vaping
Vaping is far from a harmless activity. Though it may seem like a trendy alternative to smoking, the truth is that vaping has its own set of risks, especially for young, developing bodies:
Nicotine addiction – Most vaping devices contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Nicotine can interfere with brain development in teens, affecting memory, attention, and learning.
Lung damage – The chemicals in e-cigarette vapor can cause long-term damage to lung tissue. Recent studies have shown a rise in lung injuries directly linked to vaping, some severe enough to require hospitalization.
Toxic chemicals – Vaping liquids contain substances like formaldehyde, acrolein, and heavy metals that can damage the lungs and cardiovascular system.
Unknown dangers – Since vaping products are relatively new, long-term health impacts are still being discovered. What seems harmless today may lead to significant health issues in the future.
Vaping and Peer Pressure
Many students in junior high feel pressured to fit in with their peers, and vaping is often seen as a way to look "cool." What starts as experimentation can quickly turn into a habit, especially because of how addictive nicotine is. Our message to students is simple: true confidence comes from making healthy choices, not following risky trends.
Texas School Consequences for Vaping
In addition to the health risks, there are serious school consequences for students who are caught vaping on campus. Connally Junior High follows the guidelines set by Connally ISD and the state of Texas, which mandate strict disciplinary actions for vaping-related offenses.
If a student is caught vaping or in possession of vaping devices (including e-cigarettes or vape pens) on school property, the consequences are serious and may include:
Immediate confiscation of the vape device.
Parent notification and a mandatory meeting with school administrators.
Assignment to DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Program) – Under Texas law, students caught using or possessing vaping devices on school grounds can face mandatory placement in DAEP. This alternative education program is meant to help students understand the severity of their actions, while also ensuring a safe learning environment for others. Students assigned to DAEP are removed from their regular classes and required to complete their education in a more controlled, isolated setting for a specified time.
The goal of DAEP is to help students learn from their mistakes, but it is a consequence that disrupts their education, social circles, and daily routines. We hope that this strict measure helps deter students from making poor decisions in the first place.
How Parents Can Help
We need your help in reinforcing these important messages at home. Please consider taking the time to talk with your child about the dangers of vaping and the consequences of being caught with these devices at school. Here are a few suggestions for starting the conversation:
Ask what they know – Many students may have misconceptions about vaping. Start by asking what they’ve heard and provide accurate information to correct any misunderstandings.
Talk about addiction – Make sure your child understands how easily they can become addicted to nicotine, even from just trying a vape once or twice.
Reinforce the rules – Remind them that vaping is not allowed at school and that the consequences are serious. Let them know that you support the school's efforts to keep students safe.
Model healthy behavior – If you use tobacco or vaping products yourself, consider discussing your own experiences with your child and how important it is for them to avoid starting.
Our Commitment to a Healthy, Safe Campus
At Connally Junior High, we are dedicated to keeping our campus a safe and healthy place for all students. We work closely with local health organizations to provide education on the dangers of vaping, and we remain vigilant in enforcing policies that protect our students. However, we cannot do it alone. We are counting on our families to partner with us in sending a unified message that vaping is not only dangerous but also not worth the risks—both to health and education.
If you have any concerns or would like additional resources to help talk to your child about vaping, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school. We are here to support you in keeping our students safe.
Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping Connally Junior High a great place for learning and growth.
