It has been an exciting 2018 here at Swampscott Middle School. We are almost half-way through the second trimester and a lot is happening. Winter sports are underway, the Math Team has exploded out of the gate, students are up to the challenges in the classrooms and have been treating each other with the respect they deserve. As always, we appreciate your continued support. Below is a list of upcoming events:
- January 15th - No School~Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- January 22nd - Parent Information Session on Budget - High School Auditorium
- January 22nd - Mid-term grades close
- January 25th - Early Release, 12:30 Dismissal
- January 26th - 7th and 8th-grade dance from 7pm-9pm in cafeteria
- January 29th - Progress Reports posted online
Update on vaping: Unfortunately, we have been informed that there are multiple students at our middle school who are currently vaping. Because of the serious nature and risks associated with this matter, we felt it was crucial to distribute the following revised informational letter to all parents.
Dear SMS Parents,
We are reaching out in order to raise awareness and strengthen our community’s prevention efforts pertaining to the concerning matter of adolescent “vaping” or “juuling” (using e-cigarettes).
We thought it would be helpful if you had information about vaping and juuling so that you can be better prepared to discuss the issue with your child, and intervene when necessary.
• Electronic cigarettes/vape pens/juul vaporizers/vaping bracelets allow the user to inhale, or vape, a mist, which usually contains nicotine or THC/cannabidiol (the active ingredients in marijuana). The process is smoke-free, and there is little to no odor; only a slight mist is exhaled. As a result, it can be very hard to detect. These pens/vaporizers are marketed as “ stealth” devices.
•These devices are promoted as being a healthy alternative to smoking. Although some harmful chemicals found in traditional cigarettes have been removed, these devices still deliver the addictive and/or habit-forming chemicals in tobacco products and marijuana.
• A vaping device looks very much like a pen or a bracelet, and a juul vaporizer looks like a USB device. Please keep in mind that there is no need for a USB at Swampscott Middle School because we use Google Drive.
Vaping/juuling is a serious and pressing concern for adolescents, not only in Swampscott but throughout the country. These devices deliver addictive chemicals and often serve as an initial introduction to substance use.
Thank you very much for your vigilance and commitment to our adolescents’ safety and well-being. Together, as a community, we can work together to address this significant health concern.
If you have any questions or concerns related to this issue, please feel free to contact your child’s school administrator or counselor.
Sincerely,
Jason Calichman, M.Ed
Principal
Swampscott Middle School
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