Volusia rolls out elementary VAPE and threat-education Canvas courses as alternatives to immediate removal for first-time incidents

Volusia County School Board members were briefed Oct. 28 on the district's elementary-level prevention and education programs for vaping and for student threats. The programs are offered as educational alternatives for first-time incidents with parent permission; follow-on disciplinary options remain available if parents decline.

The VAPE program (Volusia Assistance and Prevention Education) targets fourth- and fifth-grade students who are found in possession of vaping devices. The district reported 21 elementary students this school year who met the participation criteria. The course is a self-paced Canvas module set up as six short modules covering: "What is a vape?"; addiction; health effects; rules and consequences; smart choices; and a final VAPE-free pledge. Students who enroll have nine weeks to complete the course and must score at least 80% on required assessments. District presenters said the course's purpose is to educate first, hold students accountable and involve families; if a parent declines permission, the student will be referred to the district placement committee (DSPC) and may receive off-campus instruction or alternative placement in accordance with the discipline matrix.

The My Words, My Power threat-and-wellness curriculum addresses concerning language and threats for younger students. Implemented across K-2 and 3-5 grade bands, the course explains what constitutes a threat, why threats are harmful, how to report concerns ("see something, say something"), emotional regulation strategies and choices that support safety and kindness. The district said the program is intended for first-time incidents and must be completed within two weeks with an 80% passing score; participants who do not complete the course or whose families refuse consent may be considered for district placement committee action or alternative discipline consistent with the code of conduct.

Jessica McIntyre, coordinator for mental health and student services, reported early participation numbers: in K-2, 24 students were enrolled with 10 completions; in grades 3-5, 30 enrolled with 16 completions. McIntyre told the board that second and fifth grades have been the highest-enrollment groups for the program so far and that the curriculum is deliberately age-appropriate with stories, interactive activities and safety pledges.

Board members expressed support for educating younger children about vaping harms and for clearer distinctions between tattling and reporting safety concerns. The superintendent's office and student services will continue to provide data on participation and outcomes; the district emphasized that standard disciplinary options remain available when educational alternatives are declined or when incidents warrant traditional discipline.