10-26-22 Letter From Superintendent Worbes

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022

Dear Altus Public Schools Family,

Altus Public Schools considers the safety and well-being of our students to be our top priority.  With that said, I feel that it is important to inform families that like other schools across the country, Altus Public Schools has experienced an increase in discipline referrals related to the use of tobacco and THC (the chemical responsible for most of marijuana's psychological effects).  Our administrators, faculty, and staff are taking these incidents very seriously.  

Oklahoma Law and Altus Public Schools Board Policy both state that the use of electronic cigarettes, vapes, and dab pens is illegal on school property. More importantly, the health and safety of our students are at stake.  Altus Public Schools is committed to partnering with parents, families, students, and community members to maintain a learning environment that is drug-free. 

To strengthen our efforts to address this issue we have :

• Hired an additional school resource officer giving the district four officers in total to provide security.  

• Hired a fourth nurse to increase student services. 

•  All counselors are using the Why Try curriculum to teach social skills and emotional coping strategies to students. 

• Altus Junior High and Altus High School have installed vape detectors in the restrooms.  

• Over 30 employees will attend a Wellness symposium where mental health, drug trends, and risks of E-cigarettes in teens are some of the topics.

• Recognition, Response, and Administration of Narcan, a life-saving medication to help reverse the effects of an overdose, training for administrators, counselors, resource officers, and nurses. 

It is our plea that parents and community members help us by speaking with students about the importance of protecting their health and maintaining a drug-free school environment.  

Respectfully,

Roe Worbes 

Superintendent, Altus Public Schools