Although the rates of tobacco use has gone down over the past ten years, tobacco use is still the United States leading cause of preventable death. It is imperative for school districts to have a clearly defined policy that addresses prevention, intervention, and treatment.
The Wellness Committee reviewed the existing policy then drafted a new policy using guidelines that are established by The Partnership for a Tobacco Free Maine. Parent/Teacher Organizations in the three communities where provided an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the policy draft.
I am proud to announce that the School Board has accepted the updated policy and the PFTFM has decided to use the policy as a model for other districts in the State. The new policy will be posted on the district website and will be printed in the 2012 student handbook. Thank you to the Wellness Committee for you excellent work on this policy.
