Trojan family,

Many of you may have read last week’s message from our Substance Abuse Intervention Specialist, Izzy Griffin, about vaping or seen the monthly Mental Health Newsletters from our Mental Health Coordinator, Laura Lupo. To streamline communication while continuing their important work, we’ll now include these updates in our school newsletters instead of separate posts. This week, we’re featuring a note from Ms. Griffin on vaping and marijuana use—check it out below!

Registration continues this week as counselors guide our current sophomores through the first steps of the process. Students should have brought home a registration form for a parent/guardian signature as they select their classes for next year. If you have any questions, please reach out to our counseling team.

As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Go Trojans!

Mr. Doffing, Principal

Mr. Kratzig, Assistant Principal

Vaping and marijuana use have become widely normalized among teens due to social media, peer influence, and the perception that these substances are harmless. Many adolescents see vaping and weed as socially acceptable, with even their peers portraying them as stress relievers or trendy habits. This normalization can make it harder for teens to recognize the risks, especially when marketing tactics and misinformation downplay the negative effects. A trending reason adolescents and teens give for smoking weed and vaping is that it helps them with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. However, usage during this stage of development can actually increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, alters brain chemistry, disrupting emotional regulation and increasing anxiety over time. In adolescents, regular use can interfere with brain development, leading to memory problems, cognitive decline, and a reduced ability to handle stress naturally. Regular use of vapes and nicotine addiction can lead to dependency, reduced motivation, and withdrawal symptoms, interfering with school performance and daily responsibilities.

Parents can support their teens by creating a safe, judgment-free space to discuss vaping, marijuana, and mental health, making it easier for them to open up without fear of criticism or punishment. Clearly communicating expectations while providing accurate information about the risks—such as addiction and its impact on mental health—can help counteract the misinformation teens encounter online or from peers. Many adolescents hesitate to be honest at home due to fear of judgment or consequences, so balancing clear boundaries with empathy and validation can foster trust. By acknowledging their struggles and offering support instead of harsh reactions, parents can encourage open and honest conversations that lead to healthier choices.