Throughout the school day on Tuesday, April 23, and Wednesday, April 24, Mars Area Middle School will offer several student assemblies to discuss the dangers associated with vaping and tobacco use.

Susan Radio, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center community programs educator, will present the “Healthy Choices for Students” program, which teaches students about cancer prevention and healthful living. The program will emphasize the negative effects of tobacco use and vaping. Please click on the following link to view a recent discussion on this topic:

Vaping (or JUULing) is the use of an inhaler known as electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or vape pen that uses batteries to heat a flavored liquid to produce a vapor, many of which contain varying levels of nicotine. According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), e-cigarettes, among other things, may contain dangerous chemicals such as acrolein, a chemical that can cause irreversible lung damage; formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical; and toxic metal particles such as chromium, lead and nickel.

Students will also be reminded that Mars Area School District strictly prohibits the possession, use or sale of tobacco and/or drugs by students at any time in a school building and on any property, buses, vans and vehicles that are owned, leased or controlled by the District, as well as at any school-sponsored activities or events that are held off of school property

Any student found to be in possession of a tobacco product or paraphernalia, including a vape pen or e-cigarette, will be subject to a 3-to-10-day out-of-school suspension and a drug & alcohol assessment from a licensed drug & alcohol facility prior to the student’s return to school. In addition, all violations will be referred to the Adams Township Police Department.

For more information, call (724) 625-3145.