Vaping

What is vaping?

Vape devices and e-cigarettes are electronic devices that simulate smoking. Instead of containing tobacco, these devices contain a flavored liquid that turns into a vapor when heated and is then inhaled. The act of using these devices is referred to as vaping.

There is a specific brand of vape device called a Juul. Juuls are smaller than most e-cigarettes or vape devices and also don't produce the same distinct white vapor. Juuls look a lot like small flash drives and can be easily concealed. Juuling is much more difficult to detect than traditional vaping and is an issue in schools across the country. 

Who is vaping?

Vaping is a trend that has become attractive to teens and young adults. In a 2017 National Institutes of Health Study, 18.5% of the 8th graders surveyed reported trying vaping. Of those students, 13.3% had vaped in the past year.

Vaping is dangerous, especially for young adults.

 Many young adults report misconceptions about vape devices and e-cigarettes; they are under the impression that the liquid is merely flavored water. The vapor pods used in these devices do contain flavoring that appeals to teens such as watermelon or cotton candy, but they also contain dangerous chemicals including nicotine. Some early studies have shown that the chemicals in vapor pods are carcinogenic and can also cause “popcorn lung” which is when the lungs are scarred and damaged.

SAVE THE DATE!

Breathe New Hampshire will be sharing a presentation titled Vaping Unveiled with the Kearsarge community.

January 8, 2018 

at 6:30 pm

Kearsarge Regional High School Auditorium

The presentation will cover topics such as:

• What are e-cigs/vapes
• Dangers of nicotine
• Vaping by the numbers
• Popular products among youth/teens
• Local policies
• Resources 

For more information or to RSVP please contact Laura Newman, assistant principal at KRHS: lnewman@kearsarge.org

Computational Thinker

One of the ISTE 2016 Standards for Students is called Computational Thinker.

In this standard, students are expected to develop their abilities to solve problems.

It used to be called critical thinking.  The shift in the name of the standard, I believe, comes with a new thought that learners need to think in the same ways that computers work because there is so much innovation.

Part of this standard requires students to be able to break problems into smaller parts.  Another calls for students to think using algorithms because of the need to understand automation.  This allows students to think in steps in order to test or create a solution to a problem.

Computational thinking is not an easy thing to teach a student, until now.  This year, Kearsarge Regional School District brought in Dash Robots in order to help develop the computational thinking skills of students.

Here is how it work.  Students use an iPad with an app called Blockly.  Students use the app to put together a sequence of commands and then test these commands out with the Dash Robot.  Students are learning how to create sequences, loops, and conditionals.  Dash can be programmed to dance, make sounds and say things.  Dash can be programmed to respond to your voice.

Recently, some 6th graders had a chance to work with the Dash Robots to develop their computational thinking skills.  Students were able to program the Dash Robot using the Blockly app and had a lot of fun getting Dash to move, dance and talk.

Our goal is to continue to use the Dash Robots with students to help them learn how to solve problems and learn how to think computationally.  Computer programing is an important skill for students to develop and the Dash Robots offer a fun way to learn this skill.

Winter Tips

I was quite surprised to see snow on the ground on October 17^th!  While I love the snow and chilly weather, I don’t look forward to the illnesses that seem to flood in!

Most of what we see in the Winter can certainly be prevented by some really easy daily habits.   The CDC website is a wealth of information regarding staying healthy this year.  I have included links for a few common illnesses we see in the school setting.

           Strep Throat                   Cold Vs. Flu                        

                                                                        Norovirus Vs. Stomach bug

The District Nurses collaborate to share information on our web pages regarding current illness, upcoming health events, and District forms.  

The Middle School web page can be found here: Middle School Health Office

Here is a quick reference of when Sick is Too Sick for School:

Please use these guidelines when deciding whether or not to send your child to school due to illness.

It is suggested that your child should not come to school if:

*They have a temperature over 100.5 F. (Remember that Tylenol, Motrin, etc. can mask the effects of a fever). Try to take your child's temperature before you give fever-reducing medicine.  

*They have vomiting and/or persistent diarrhea. 

*They have a persistent red sore throat, especially if the tonsils are enlarged.

*They have a severe cold with fever, sneezing, and thickening nasal discharge

*They have a cough that keeps them awake at night, worsens with increased activity, or is combined with other symptoms.

*They have a severe persistent earache.

*They have redness in the whites of the eyes, yellow eye discharge and matted lashes are symptoms of conjunctivitis (pinkeye). A doctor should be consulted for treatment as this is highly contagious.

*They have a rash that is all over the body, blistery, oozing, or painful. This could be a sign of a contagious infection, such as chicken pox. Please consider checking with your child's doctor or the school nurse before you send your child to school.

*Please keep your child home until they have not had vomiting, persistent diarrhea, or a fever (without medication) for at least 24 hours!(If at school they have a fever over 100.5F or vomiting/persistent diarrhea, your child will need to be picked up at school.)

Remember, the suggestions above should be considered a guide.

If you are still unsure whether to send your child to school, please call your medical provider or the school nurse for further guidance.

Stay healthy and enjoy what late Fall and Winter have to offer!