Message from Interim Superintendent Ms. Cannetti

Dear Families and Community Members,

I am writing to address a serious concern that has emerged within the first weeks of this school year. Unfortunately, we have already suspended multiple students for vaping and marijuana use on school property. This communication serves both as a firm reminder of our policies and as an invitation to partner with us in supporting our children. 

Let me be unequivocally clear that the use or possession of marijuana and vaping products on school property, on school buses, or within 100 feet of school entrances is illegal. Students who bring drugs into our buildings will face strict disciplinary consequences. I will not compromise on this matter when the health and safety of our entire school community is at stake.

Beyond the legal implications, marijuana use poses significant risks to adolescent development. The teenage brain is still developing, and marijuana's psychoactive compounds directly interfere with cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and long-term mental health. Specifically, marijuana affects the hippocampus, which can lead to:

• Memory loss and difficulty concentrating
• Impaired learning and declining academic performance
• Increased risk of anxiety and depression
• Higher susceptibility to dependency and addiction

These are not abstract concerns; they are real consequences affecting real students' futures.

While I am firm in enforcing our drug-free policy, I am equally committed to supporting students who are struggling. If you believe your child is battling addiction or experimenting with substances, please reach out to us. We have resources available and want to work as partners with you to get your child the help they need. Addiction is a health issue, and students seeking support will find compassion alongside accountability.

I am asking every family to have an open, honest conversation with your child about our zero-tolerance policy regarding drugs and vaping. Reinforce that these choices have serious consequences, but also let them know that help is available if they need it.

Our Code of Conduct is posted on our website. I strongly encourage you to review it with your child so that expectations are clear. (https://www.pmschools.org/parent-resources/guides-and-policies)

Together, we can maintain a safe, healthy learning environment while ensuring that students who need support receive it. 

Sincerely,
Lori Cannetti
Interim Superintendent of Schools 

DropTheVape Quitline

The New York State Department of Health’s (NYSDOH) Tobacco Control Program, in collaboration with the NYS Quitline, announced the launch of a free, confidential 6-week texting program called DropTheVape to help young people eliminate the use of tobacco products like vapes, pouches, and cigarettes.

The program provides participants with daily messages and interactive skill-building exercises to help manage stress, handle nicotine cravings, and maintain confidence in social situations.

Interested individuals may sign up at DropTheVape

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) leads federal efforts to advance behavioral health by providing prevention, treatment, recovery support, and data resources for mental health and substance use across the U.S. SAMHSA+1

Catholic Health offers personalized detoxification, rehabilitation and recovery treatment plans for substance abuse, plus ongoing tools to help clients maintain a substance-free life. Catholic Health LI

The Outreach Project Brentwood – Crooked Hill Road campus provides a teen residential program for adolescents with drug and alcohol issues—addressing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders in a developmental-appropriate setting. opiny.org