High school vape-detectors logged hundreds of alerts then declined, principal says

Tewksbury High School's vape-detector system registered hundreds of alerts in the weeks after installation, then declined steadily as staff intervened, Principal Andrew Long told the school committee on June 10.

"Over the course of about two months we had 268 vape alerts," Long said. "In the most recent full week we had 15; so far this week we've had seven." He said the detectors were installed just before April break and administrators followed up with advisories, classroom guidance and a clear description of response procedures.

Long said the data show a small portion of students account for most alerts and that administrators, the school resource officer and safety staff receive app notifications that identify the sensor location (floor and bathroom). "We don't have 100% foolproof prevention," Long said, "but the numbers have gone way down since we started investigating immediately."

Committee members asked about student perceptions, response times and supports for students who may be dependent on vaping. A committee member noted the detection data showed incidents in single‑stall and multi‑stall bathrooms and urged care in interpreting bathroom-based gender differences: "More alerts have occurred in girls' bathrooms," the member observed, but added that the pattern may reflect detection locations and not necessarily greater use by one group.

Long said the next steps include continued on-site deterrence and targeted supports for students identified as repeat users, as well as parent engagement and follow-up resources.