This notice was sent to SRES families on Jan. 28, 2025.
Ske:g Taṣ! Kamduum?* Dear Salt River Elementary Schools Families,
We are committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment that is respectful and collaborative with our staff, students, and families. As part of those efforts, we are writing to inform you of the new measures we are taking at SRES to address vaping on campus. Beginning this week, Public Works began installing vape sensors in SRES building A; when complete, our campus will have a total of 12 sensors installed in restrooms throughout our school.
The sensors we’ll be using are designed to detect the presence of chemical vapor in the air. When vapor is detected, the sensors will send real-time alerts to designated school personnel, who will respond promptly and appropriately. The sensors we use are NOT equipped with cameras. They can only detect the presence of vapor. Our approach prioritizes respect for student privacy, which is incredibly important to us.
Similar sensors have been installed in districts across the nation, including Mesa Public Schools. The goal of installing vape sensors is to deter and detect vaping activity within areas of the building difficult to monitor, such as restrooms. Vaping, particularly among teens and preteens, has been a growing concern due to its potential health risks and has negatively impacted the overall learning environment. These sensors will help us identify and address vaping incidents more effectively, thereby contributing to a healthier and safer school community.
Should a student be found in possession of a vape device, our school administration will follow the discipline procedure for a drug violation, which can be found in the Salt River Schools Student Conduct and Discipline Handbook; you can ask for a printed copy from the SRES main office or find the document online at (scroll to the bottom of the page).
We are grateful for the partnership we have with our SRPD School Resource Officer D. Brown and the SRS Safe Schools & Security team in helping us prevent substance abuse and promote wellness across our campus. Likewise, we are blessed to have the support of families and the Community. Please consider having a conversation with your student about this important issue.
It is great work coming together to ensure the wellness and safety of our students. We believe that these new measures will make a positive difference in our school family. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, reach out to me anytime. Thank you.
Sapé,
Bryan “Coach” McCleney, Ph.D., M.Ed., Lt. Col., USAR (Ret)
Acting Principal, Salt River Elementary School
480-362-2400 |
[email protected]