Calvert County safety committee consolidates student focus‑group findings, urges tougher vaping response and more mental‑health supports

A Calvert County student safety committee on record reviewed findings from a student focus group and a follow‑up meeting with school safety advocates and laid out recommendations to address vaping, mental‑health needs and staffing shortages.

The committee heard that six students — three from Calvert High, two from Northern High and one from Huntington High — told facilitators they know school psychologists and social workers only at the start of the year and otherwise have limited interaction. Presenters said students preferred regular, student‑friendly newsletters and supervised student‑led social media as ways to share safety concerns and school updates.

“Students told us they want mental‑health staff to be more visible and approachable,” said an unidentified presenter during the session. Committee members noted that visibility must be paired with more staff so existing counselors are not overburdened.

Safety advocates who met with county officials reported vaping as the top immediate concern, describing it both as a health risk and a catalyst for aggressive behavior. One presenter summarized advocates’ warning: unless the county adopts more stringent, consistent measures, “we’ve lost this battle.” The group showed items bought at convenience stores that advocates said were being used in vapes and raised the risk of overdose.

Committee members also flagged inconsistent enforcement of the code of conduct and recommended simplifying and clarifying disciplinary language so consequences are understandable for students and families. The presenters said current disciplinary steps often fail to deter repeat offenders and suggested mandatory parent participation in interventions before students return from suspension.

On mental‑health services, the committee proposed a cross‑agency implementation plan led by the local behavioral‑health authority and health department, with the local care team providing case coordination. Recommendations included monthly visibility events, more student‑friendly mental‑health information in newsletters and social posts, and community‑based early interventions starting in elementary grades.

The presenters said safety advocates estimated the system needs roughly 18 additional adult monitors across middle and high schools to improve hallway and restroom coverage. Members also discussed technology gaps — presenters said about half of security cameras need replacement — and proposed treating major safety upgrades as capital projects to fund through bonds.

The committee asked subcommittees to refine recommendations in a SharePoint draft and planned follow‑up administrative review; no formal votes were taken on the substantive recommendations at this meeting.