In an effort to keep students safe, Pacific Grove High School has implemented a vape detector system in restrooms across campus. These new devices are already making a difference according to Principal O’Meara and Vice Principal Keller who are leading the rollout.
The school began installing vape detectors recently as a response to the growing concern about vaping among teens. Now, with detectors fully installed and staff trained to respond, the system is beginning to show results. Principal O’Meara explains this during an interview, saying that “we are beginning to receive useful data that helps us better understand student behavior patterns”. Furthermore, Principal O’Meara mentions that the vape detector system is “already proving helpful as both a deterrent and a tool for timely intervention”.
The detectors work by notifying staff in real time whenever vape activity is detected in the bathrooms. This allows administrators to respond quickly and handle situations as they happen. Teachers and other staff have been trained on how to deal with alerts properly and fairly.
Still, this is only the beginning. Both Principal O’Meara and Vice Principal Keller have said that the program is a “developing process”. They are currently testing how accurate the system is and are and working with tech facilities and IT departments to make sure the response is consistent and respectful. They want to avoid false alarms while also making sure students understand the seriousness of vaping.
But it’s not all about punishment. One of the key goals of this program is to promote student safety and health. Principal O’Meara mentions that “our next steps will focus on strengthening communication with families and students”. This is to ensure that everyone understands that the primary goal is to promote healthy habits and maintain overall wellbeing.
In the end, vape detectors are just one part of a larger plan to create a healthier school environment. As Principal O’Meara mentioned, it’s about making sure that students can focus on learning in a place where their safety comes first.
