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Tobacco-Free is
the key at HFM BOCES
Revised HFM BOCES policy goes well beyond no smoking rule
 HFM
BOCES Comprehensive Tobacco Policy—developed
and adopted for the 2009-10 school year—not
only prohibits smoking in school and on school grounds, but
extends the prohibition to include possession of any type of
tobacco product, related paraphernalia such as lighters, matches
and rolling papers, or any kind of tobacco-related promotional
items.
That
means that clothing, school supplies, personal gear and
accessories that carry a tobacco brand or in any way promote the
use of tobacco products are not allowed on school grounds or at
any school-related function. The policy remains in effect at all
times, 24-hours a day, at all school activities on campus and
off.
A
small reminder card was sent home with students to reinforce the
revised policy. The card reads: It is against the law for
anyone, including students and adults, at any time during and
after school hours, to use any tobacco product such as
cigarettes or chew anywhere on school grounds, including inside
and outside buildings, grounds, athletic fields, parking lots
and school vehicles.
The
policy also prohibits the promotion and advertising of tobacco,
as well as prohibiting students from possession, distribution
and sale of any tobacco products while on school property.
Research has demonstrated that tobacco use is the leading cause
of preventable death in the United States, and if teens can be
kept tobacco-free, most will remain tobacco-free for the rest of
their lives.
School tobacco policies reflects New York State education and
public health laws, and are intended to ensure the health and
wellness of all students, staff and visitors. But elements of
HFM BOCES’ revised policy go beyond what the laws require,
according to Bridget Rocco, Coordinator of the Tobacco-Free
Healthy Schools Policy Program at Catholic Charities of Fulton &
Montgomery Counties.
"Our
program advocates for prohibitions on all types of
smoking and smokeless tobacco products," Ms. Rocco said. "Where
state law says 'no smoking' we extend that prohibition to
include any and all tobacco possession and use."
The
Tobacco-Free Healthy Schools Program worked with staff from HFM
BOCES Career & Technical Center and the Alternative High School
to develop the revised policy, and advocated for restrictions to
extend to all school sponsored events, even those taking place
away from school property.
"The
object of the tobacco-free policy is to educate everyone on the
dangers of tobacco use, and nurture a culture where tobacco
isn't a distraction or influence on anyone," Ms. Rocco said.
While
the new policy has disciplinary teeth, including restriction of
privileges and suspension, the real emphasis is on providing
help and counseling for those that want to quit—both
staff and students.
A
first offense for students provides an opportunity to work with
the student to help them quit smoking and modify their behavior.
Information and access to community cessation resources are
important tools to help eliminate the use of tobacco and provide
support services for students and staff that have asked for
assistance. As disciplinary measures progress, support and
encouragement to quit tobacco use continue, and every effort is
made to keep students in school and in class.
Prevention of tobacco use through student health education
programs and tobacco awareness training for staff is a primary
goal of the new policy. Informational signs throughout the
facility, newsletters, Internet links and workshops will help
educate everyone on the risks associated with tobacco use. In
addition, alternatives will be provided that promote positive
activities in a tobacco-free environment.
Read
the Comprehensive Tobacco Policy
here
(pdf)
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