PCSD takes the safety and well-being of our students, staff and community seriously. To ensure that our learning community is confident in our safety procedures, we have designated the week of September 5-8 as our Safety Week in September to the review of important safety topics. You are welcome and encouraged to have a conversation with your child in advance regarding any of the content we will review during Safety Week. The video content selected is age appropriate and the topics fall in line with FLDOE’s required instruction and State legislation.

If there is a video you would prefer your child not see, please contact your school and fill out a Safety Video Opt-out Form.

Lessons in safety begin at home. Teach your children kindness toward one another, the importance of listening, and the importance in following directions.

Together we can make PCSD campuses a safe place for everyone!

Vaping is at an all time high. Many vapes are made to look like everyday items: highlighters, sharpie pens, etc. Please be aware of what your student is bringing to school each day.

Vaping is at an all time high. Many vapes are made to look like everyday items: highlighters, sharpie pens, etc. Please be aware of what your student is bringing to school each day.

Parents and Youth: Unmasking the Truth about Vaping

Today, we gather to address a pressing concern affecting our society – the normalization of vaping. It has become the new normal, reminiscent of the tobacco usage history. Misinformation has played a significant role in its acceptance, much like the tactics used by tobacco companies in the past. While adults may choose to take risks with vaping and tobacco, we must ensure our youth are not misled.

As parents, it is our responsibility to shield our children from misinformation. Educate yourself about the reality of vaping and its potential health risks. By doing so, we can guide our children toward informed decisions and protect them from the false allure of vaping being a healthy alternative.

To our youth, it is crucial to empower yourselves with accurate information. Understand the true risks associated with vaping. Reject the notion that vaping is a norm to follow. Prioritize your well-being and make choices that support a healthier future.

Together, as parents and youth, we can challenge the normalization of vaping. Let's learn from the history of tobacco industry manipulation. Reject the misleading narratives surrounding vaping and build a community that values truth and well-being.

We cannot allow misinformation to become the societal norm around vaping. By standing united, we can create a future where our children's health and aspirations are not compromised. Let's unmask the truth about vaping, empowering our youth to make informed choices and ensuring their well-being.

Remember, we have the power to shape a healthier future for our children. Together, we can combat the normalization of vaping and foster a society that prioritizes truth and well-being.

Health Risks of Vaping

Vaping without Nicotine:

• Respiratory Effects: Vaping without nicotine can still irritate the airways, leading to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It may cause inflammation and potential lung damage.

• Chemical Exposure: E-liquids used in vaping devices contain various chemicals, including propylene glycol and flavorings. Inhaling these chemicals can have adverse effects on lung health.

• Potential Lung Damage: Vaping has been associated with cases of severe lung injury, known as vaping-associated lung injury or EVALI. Although rare, it can lead to respiratory distress and long-term lung damage.

Vaping with Nicotine:

• Nicotine Addiction: Vaping with nicotine can lead to nicotine addiction, making it challenging to quit. Nicotine is highly addictive and can cause dependence.

• Cardiovascular Risks: Nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rate, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.

• Impaired Brain Development: Adolescents who vape with nicotine may experience negative effects on brain development, impacting attention, learning, and impulse control.

Vaping delivers more chemicals compared to cigarettes due to the closed system of a vape. The e-liquids used in vaping devices contain a variety of chemicals, including nicotine (in nicotine-containing vapes), flavorings, and other additives. When heated, these chemicals can produce aerosols that users inhale into their lungs. Compared to traditional cigarettes, vaping devices can deliver higher levels of certain harmful chemicals.

It's important to be aware of these risks and understand that vaping, both with and without nicotine, can have detrimental effects on respiratory health, addiction potential, cardiovascular well-being, and adolescent brain development. Quitting vaping and seeking healthier alternatives is the best way to safeguard your long-term health.