School Health
E-Cigarettes/Vaping in Schools
DEW Independent School District
Voted Best School Campus in Freestone County 2017 & 2018
August 9, 2023
To our Dew ISD Families and Staff,
I hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to inform you about a significant change in the law that directly impacts our school district's approach to addressing e-cigarette usage on school premises.
Recently, the Texas legislature passed a new law (House Bill 114) that requires school districts to implement mandatory Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) placement for students found in possession of, using, selling, giving, or delivering e-cigarettes on school grounds or at a school-related event. The law aims to address the growing concern of e-cigarette usage among students and promote a healthier, safer environment for all members of the school community.
Effective at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, our school district will be fully enforcing this new law. This means that any student caught violating the new law relating to e-cigarettes will be subject to immediate DAEP placement, as mandated by the state law. The DAEP program serves as an alternative to traditional suspension, providing students with an opportunity to address their behavior while continuing their education in a structured setting.
We want to emphasize that our primary goal is to ensure the well-being and academic success of all students. By strictly enforcing the DAEP placement for e-cigarette violations, we aim to discourage the use of harmful substances and create a safer environment that supports the overall health and development of our students.
We understand that education and communication are essential in preventing such incidents. Therefore, we are committed to reinforcing awareness and education programs about the dangers of e-cigarettes and their impact on health. We encourage parents to join us in this endeavor by having open discussions with your children about the risks associated with e-cigarette usage and the importance of making responsible choices.
We also want to assure you that we will continue to work closely with teachers, staff, and relevant community organizations to address any underlying issues that may contribute to e-cigarette use among students. Our comprehensive approach will focus on prevention, intervention, and support to ensure that students receive the necessary guidance to make positive decisions and choices.
As we navigate this new legal requirement, we value your partnership and input as parents and guardians. If you need assistance in talking to your child about the dangers of vaping, or your child is in need of support to quit vaping, we encourage you to access these resources on our website and the following resources provided by the Anti-Vaping Truth Initiative.
We encourage you to reach out to your child’s campus if you have any questions or concerns about the implementation of this new law or how it may affect your child's educational experience.
Once again, any Dew ISD student in possession of an e-cigarette, vaping device, or associated paraphernalia will be referred to DAEP placement in accordance with the new law.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to create a safe and nurturing learning environment for all students. Your collaboration is instrumental in achieving our shared goal of preparing our students for a successful future.
Sincerely,
Darrell Evans
Dew ISD Superintendent
E-cigarette Microlearning
Vapes - Hidden in Plain Sight
