Since the start of second semester, vape detectors have been installed in half of Los Altos High School’s bathrooms. The administrators installed the sensors to support students who are addicted to vaping, and to address vaping issues among students. The rest of the detectors have been ordered by Assistant Principal Nicholas Betancur, and are estimated to be installed in a few weeks. These detectors can sense a change in air quality and temperature, immediately notifying all administrators through a walkie talkie system.

“If you were an administrator near the area, you were constantly hearing the radio go: ‘Go to this restroom, go to that restroom,’” Betancur said. “It’s left at the discretion of the Student Conduct Liaisons based on what we see when we arrive; whether we think it’s worth interrupting a student’s day and bringing them up to the office.”

That said, the administrators always talk to students they suspect of vaping — LAHS’ no substance use policy has always been enforced. If students are caught vaping, consequences may involve confiscation of the vaping device, a conference with the parent/guardian and an administrator, a violation on their school record, or even suspension.

“Vaping detector installations were not something we were planning to do at the start of the year, but when we heard from students, the principal, advisors, council, and other venues that this was something that was needed, we decided to put it in place,” Betancur said. “We’re hoping that students appreciate that it’s there, and we’re happy to report that it seems to be effective.”

The administration’s hope is that students understand they shouldn’t be vaping. This appears to be working, as there was an 83% reduction in the number of alerts during the first week of this semester, from Wednesday, January 7 to Thursday, January 8. According to Principal Tracey Runeare, the administration does not have easy access to the exact numbers of vape detector alerts since installation, but they have seen a reduction in the number of vape detector alerts since they were initially installed. It is unclear whether the detectors have reduced student vaping on campus, however they have at least reduced vaping in certain bathrooms.

“So far, I haven’t seen a single person vaping in our bathrooms compared to twice a week last semester,” junior Michael Seyoum said.

Other students have a different impression.

“Kids are always gonna vape,” junior Yari Hernandez said. “They’re just gonna find smarter ways to do it.”

“I haven’t noticed any improvement since the vape detectors were installed this semester,” junior Ella Phillips said. “But I think the installations are smart, and might reduce vaping around the school over time. I think it could also help students stay in class more and be more focused.”

When a student is caught, they are punished for breaking school rules — but they are also offered supportive resources. The administration understands that quitting vaping does not happen overnight, so the school has offered resources to aid students in quitting for good.

Students are referred to vaping/smoking cessation programs, and the after school Alternative Suspension Assistance Program (ASAP), which is an opportunity for them to complete the program curriculum under the supervision of ASAP Coordinator Juan Arreola.

“The program has every perspective you could think of,” Arreola said. “It gives you knowledge of how to prevent the harmful effects of drugs, so you don’t fall into a gateway.”

The top five topics that are addressed include vaping, resisting pressure, making decisions, vaping-marijuana, and tobacco-smoking. Parents — often anxious to help their child — are also notified of other resources the student has access to.

“For me, I hope this program makes an impact and helps students understand that they don’t always have to fall into peer pressure,” Arreola said. “When students are assigned to me in this program, I just want to talk to them about, ‘How do we make this better?’ Once they make a mistake and correct it, we can pivot and make better decisions.”

“We hope that any student on this campus who has an addiction problem — whether it’s nicotine, THC, or they just want to stop vaping or need support — contacts a counselor or adult they can trust, so we can help give them some resources,” Runeare said.

California Assembly Bill No. 2711 protects students who are seeking support for substance use — controlled or not, including alcohol, tobacco, and controlled substances.

“We have some of our in-house support — therapists — here who can talk to students,”  Runeare said. “We know that, oftentimes, when a student is using a controlled substance or otherwise, they may be using it to self-medicate for something else that’s going on.”

If you are struggling with substance abuse and need help, there are resources available on campus open to all students. Students can refer themselves to a campus therapist, and also find a list of community resources on LAHS Student Links where they can find outside support. If you contact the school to keep help with substance use, there will be no punishments — the school will not even need to contact your guardians unless you want to, according to Runeare.

“Students will not be punished in any way for coming forward,” Runeare said. “If students turn themselves in, that is an act of bravery as well as a call for help, so our job is to support students and provide resources for them.”