Large numbers of students vaping and using drugs have plagued high schools across America over the past decade, contributing to a range of issues: declining academic performance, increased disciplinary actions and serious health concerns among teenagers. To combat this issue at FHS, former Dean Connor Smith applied for a grant for the school to install vape sensors across campus in June 2023.
Following this, FHS installed 33 Triton 3D Sense Pro vape sensors, which silently alert teachers upon detection of aerosols or particles in the air. The Triton website claims to “accurately detect student vaping and other nicotine and THC emissions” and a sales representative reported that the sensors detect only vapes and weed, with low false positives.
While the installation of so many sensors across campus may be seen as a positive addition to the campus, some students are skeptical about whether or not they were worth the price tag. Each sensor costs roughly $1,000 and requires an annual subscription of $105 to operate, according to FHS Dean Sarah Michelet. During the 2022-23 school year, at least $69,480 was acquired through the tobacco grant that provided FHS with the funds for the sensors, according to the California Department of Justice.
FHS junior Arjun Dutia is among the students who find that the vape sensors have not adequately addressed the problem. In fact, he believes it has gotten worse over the years, despite the introduction of these measures.
“I’ve seen more [people vaping],” Dutia said. “Freshman and sophomore year, I didn’t see too many people vaping. But this year, every time I go into the library, there’s people vaping there. In the bathroom: I go in there, probably about twice a week, and about half the time, there’s someone vaping.”
Michelet reported a decrease in vaping, and claimed it was fueled by the combinations of multiple actions taken by the staff. Along with the introduction of the sensors, she and FHS Dean Mayra Valdivia frequently patrol the campus during brunch and lunch, and often check the bathrooms as well.
“Ms. Valdivia and I are pretty trained to check anytime we walk by a bathroom,” Michelet said. “Even if the vape sensor didn’t go off, we’re still checking bathrooms. I think if you pair [the sensors] with our protocol of making sure that someone is checking those bathrooms, the two things together have helped with the instances of vaping. I think the culture has changed.”
Michelet explained the system of how the vape sensors lead to students getting caught, and potentially facing consequences. She also described the course of action when a student is found in a bathroom where a sensor has been set off.
“So we go in, and then whoever’s in the vicinity, we take them to the climate office, and we say, ‘You’re gonna open up your backpack, show me what’s in your backpack, you’re gonna empty your pockets,’” Michelet said. “And then if somebody has a vape, then that’s dealt with.”
She listed multiple potential punishments for students caught in such situations. She stressed the importance of rehabilitation rather than suspending students, since keeping students at home would make it easier to continue vaping. Before suspension or expulsion are considered, students are enrolled in drug prevention classes or provided with counseling.
Michelet also confirmed that she would check the bathroom after the students leave, and that there are “only so many hiding spots” for contraband. She added that hiding a vape in a trash can and using it again seemed like “a punishment in itself.”
However, Michelet’s supposed course of action has seemingly been contradicted. On Nov. 14, 2024, during lunch, two FHS journalists watched Michelet and another teacher open the door to the 150s wing bathroom, and tell two students to step out. Contrary to what she claimed, Michelet did not question the students, bring them to the office nor search their clothes and belongings. The students were able to simply walk away. Furthermore, Michelet also did not search the bathroom for any contraband. The FHS journalists entered the bathroom shortly afterwards and found a cartridge of cannabis. Journalists have also observed Michelet not showing up to bathrooms where students were clearly vaping. An anonymous FHS student who vapes provided a similar report, describing his experience with staff members “raiding” bathrooms. He also explained that many vape users do not feel afraid of the vape sensors.
“They came in and they told us to leave, and then we left, and then they didn’t care,” the student said. “We’re all in a group, and they told us to leave, and then we left. They just went, ‘Hey, wrap it up, guys.’”
Michelet responded to the claims via email.
“There are 2 deans and 2,000 kids, and we have to prioritize,” Michelet said. “Students have no idea of the complexities of the job, and we are often called for crisis intervention, prioritizing student safety above all. That said, we interact with students in various spaces on campus and not always for negative or disciplinary reasons. If you find marijuana or any drugs in the bathroom, it must be reported immediately to Climate Office.”
