As
of December 1, Horry County Schools will be a tobacco-free school
district, joining a number of school districts around the state to
declare their buildings and grounds off-limits for the use of tobacco
products.
Probably nobody needs to
read more statistics about the dangers of smoking and second-hand
smoke. The bottom line is that we are an organization that serves
children. Through health education programs and school rules, we try to
prevent their use of tobacco products. Therein lies the expectation
that we, as adults, are modeling the same good habits we are trying to
encourage for children.
If you use
tobacco products in any form, you’ll no longer be able to use them any
where on school or district property, whether you are on or off the
clock. There will be no smoking area, inside the building or outside on
the grounds. There will be no use of smokeless tobacco, the kind tucked
between the cheek and gum. The ban on the use of tobacco products
includes the school day and after school activities, such as athletic
events. It includes employees, students, parents, and the public.
If
you use tobacco products and you want to quit, the District website has
a number of resources for you that includes anything as simple as
telephone counseling to something as intensive as a 12-step program.
Here’s a link to learn more http://www3.hcs.k12.sc.us/Departments/SupportServices/HealthServices/Tobacco/index.html. Most services are free. .
The
decision to become a tobacco-free school district was made by the board
and supported by District policy. Employees who violate the policy and
continue to smoke on District property could face disciplinary action,
just as they would for violating any other policy.
To read the policy on tobacco-free schools, click
http://apps.hcs.k12.sc.us/apps/HCSDocuments/Uploads/PolicyandLegal/Tobacco Free Schools 10-15-07.doc
