Students who like to participate in inappropriate activities during passing periods or during bathroom breaks should be aware of a new policy. Beginning the 2026-27 school year, vape detectors will be installed in school bathrooms as part of an effort to address the growing issue of vaping on campus. These devices are not designed to record students, but they will detect vapor in the air, trigger an alarm and alert faculty and staff when vaping is suspected.
These vape detectors work by using sensors to identify and analyze specific chemicals, such as nicotine, as well as the particles emitted by vaping devices.
The introduction of vape detectors is not simply about getting students in trouble. School officials emphasize that the primary goal is to reduce the number of students who feel comfortable vaping during the school day. Vaping has become a frequent issue, particularly in school bathrooms. By installing these detectors, the school hopes to create a safer environment and discourage harmful behavior that can affect both the student vaping and those around them.
“I think vaping in the bathrooms creates a negative environment because it keeps people from using the bathroom for its actual purpose. Students are often just standing in there vaping, which takes up time and space,” Avarie Firestine (‘26) said. “It’s also frustrating when stalls are unavailable because people who actually need to use the bathroom end up waiting.”
Faculty and staff have also noted these disruptive student activities and hope these new installations help address the problem affecting many students, especially since similar measures have proven effective at other schools.
“I think it’s just another tool to help stop students from vaping,” Principal David Brown said. “Obviously, not everyone is going to follow the rules, but if this gives us one more way to catch people who are vaping, then it’s worth using. Students know vaping is an issue, especially since it’s happening so often in bathrooms. The detectors are scheduled to be installed on May 5-6, and from what I’ve heard, they’ve been successful in other schools, so we’ll see how it works here.”
In addition to promoting student health, the policy reinforces an important message that actions have consequences. School administrators want students to understand that choices made during the school day can lead to suspension, and they encourage everyone to make responsible decisions.
“I think this could be a great step for our school, since many of the complaints we receive involve overcrowded bathrooms,” Assistant Principal for Curriculum Christopher Pettit said. “While we already do our best to address the issue and discipline students when necessary, the goal is for these detectors to act as a deterrent. Ultimately, we hope this will create a better, more positive environment and encourage students who are already following the rules, even more.”
Overall, the new system hopes to address vaping while encouraging smarter choices.
