During the Communities That Care meeting Feb. 22 at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, the group discussed vaping and career education. There was also discussion regarding the connection Whitehall-Coplay School District students feel to their schools and some students who are taking an active role in identifying concerns in the district.

Phillips Armstrong, Lehigh County executive, reported there is a Student Forum Advisory Committee that connects students from all the high schools in Lehigh County. He mentioned there are approximately 45 students from Whitehall High School on the committee.

One of the tasks for the students was to split into groups and identify three priorities they believe need to be addressed in the schools, along with some possible solutions. Armstrong reported three of the priorities chosen were recycling, mental health and drugs and alcohol.

One of the solutions the students came up with regarding the drug and alcohol problem involves creating an outreach program for students who get caught smoking or vaping. This program would be similar to a Big Brother/Big Sister program and would offer the individual support instead of just punishment. The thought process is that having support from their peers or having someone to talk to would help the individual. Often, youths begin smoking or vaping to be seen as “cool.” These students want to use peer support to change that perception and educate others on the dangers of such activities.

Christopher Schiffert, assistant to the superintendent, and Glenn Noack, Whitehall-Coplay Middle School principal, mentioned the school district has been exploring alternatives to punishment for these infractions as well. They seek to offer guidance and help instead of relying solely on disciplinary measures.

“We understand the need to offer support and education,” Noack said.

Armstrong also reported Denise Continenza, CTC coordinator, will attend one of the Student Forum Advisory Committee meetings to discuss the most recent Pennsylvania Youth Survey data with the students.

The group continued the discussion about vaping. Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling an aerosol, often referred to as vapor, which is produced by an e-cigarette or similar device. There are a variety of devices used to vape, some as small as a flash drive. The liquid in the vape device can contain a variety of substances such as THC, the chemical responsible for most of marijuana’s mind-altering effects, or even synthetic drugs. Most of the vape products contain nicotine.

It was reported that vaping happens often in the schools, but it is difficult to catch. Noack noted the vapor given off does not have the same distinctive smell of a traditional cigarette, and it is easier for students to hide the vapes. Students are also attracted to the fact that vaping is less expensive than smoking and that there are different flavors offered with vaping, such as raspberry, apple pie and watermelon.

Continenza relayed some resources and research she has found on vaping. The overall opinion is there is not enough research yet about the effects. There is no longitudinal research currently since this is a relatively recent issue.

Continenza also presented an article that states vaping is a gateway to combustible tobacco. It was mentioned that for many adults, vaping and other e-cigarettes are used as an alternative to traditional smoking. According to new research, it is having the opposite effect among younger users. These adolescents are vaping first and then moving on cigarettes.

When discussing future priorities, there was continued talk about the best way to reach parents about the dangers of drugs and alcohol for their children. This is in response to the high number of students who reported their parents show favorable attitudes toward anti-social behaviors in the PAYS data. In the past, the CTC has tried hosting events, but none of the parents attended. They continue to share fliers regarding the dangers of social hosting, but it was asked if there was a better method. One person mentioned the possibility of starting a social media campaign to reach both the students and their parents.

One of the priorities for the group, as chosen based on PAYS data, involved a low commitment to school by the students. This includes career education and student engagement in their schooling. A discussion was held about forming focus groups at the middle and high schools to talk to the students directly and find out where the problems are and how best to address them. It was noted how valuable the insight will be coming directly from the students.

Schiffert noted the work the school’s career advisory council is doing. Members are getting out in the community more to find out what jobs are needed.

The school district is shifting to being more career-focused versus college-focused. The administration is making more of an effort to celebrate and recognize the trades to encourage more students to explore those careers.

The district is seeking to have more trades represented at the career fair, scheduled for the entire school day April 4 at the high school.

The next CTC meeting is 8:30 a.m. March 15 at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3355 MacArthur Road.