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Letter to Parents about the Adoption and Implementation
of a 100% Tobacco Free School Policy

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The sample letter below is designed to help schools communicate their new 100% tobacco free policy with students' parents. You can click on the link above to download the letter in MS Word format so that you can make adjustments as necessary and use it to communicate with the parents in your school district.

Dear Parents:

On (date) the (name of school district) School Board adopted a 100% tobacco free school policy. This policy prohibits all tobacco use by everyone, everywhere on campus, at all times – including school events after regular school hours. This policy also prohibits students from bringing tobacco products on campus. A copy of the new policy is attached.

The School Board adopted this policy for three reasons:

	Support families to keep their children off tobacco Tobacco use is the single leading cause of preventable death and disease in our state and nation. Eighty percent of adults who are addicted to tobacco began before the age of 18. In fact, the average age of initiation is between 12 and 14 years old. Most parents – even those who use tobacco – do not want their children to become addicted. Youth spend a great deal of their time at school and school-related events. Allowing the use of tobacco products on campus implies school approval of such use. Keeping tobacco off campus means students have less opportunity to see their friends and teachers using tobacco, and less access to tobacco products. This means they will be less likely to try – and possibly become addicted – to tobacco.
	Provide a safe environment for students and staff We have an obligation to provide a safe learning and work environment for students and staff. Exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger an asthma attack or exacerbate respiratory problems. Clusters of employees and visitors smoking outside near building entrances, or at school sponsored events, place others at risk. This does not meet the standard of a safe environment.
	A cleaner campus Discarded smoking materials litter school grounds, parking lots, vehicles, and stadiums. Cleaning or replacing items damaged by smoke or discarded smoking materials is costly. Banning tobacco from campus will mean a cleaner environment for students, staff and school visitors.

Over the next few months, we will be placing signs promoting the new policy on all school campuses, and making announcements at school sponsored events. We will also be letting you know of upcoming tobacco education and cessation classes for students who use tobacco and want to stop. If you have questions or comments about the policy, or want more information on these programs or services, please call the principal at your child's school.

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Superintendent or Board Chair