EAST BRUNSWICK - The school district and police are investigating a forged letter with the school superintendent's signature announcing a change in district's e-cigarette policy

The letter, dated Feb. 18, which had an East Brunswick Public Schools letterhead, said that "East Brunswick public schools was initially alarmed by the influx of E-cigarette products amongst the students."

"This was a forged letter and has no basis," Superintendent of Schools Victor Valeski said. "The whole incident is under investigation."

Valeski said he was informed of the letter, discovered in a high school bathroom, late Monday morning. It was also circulated on social media, he said.

Valeski sent a community memo Monday night notifying that the letter was "not authentic," he said.

READ:East Brunswick denies application for apartment complex on Tices Lane

READ:East Brunswick: New businesses, jobs coming to Route 18 corridor

The forged letter, addressed to students, said that "in addition to other measures proposed, the administration would like to announce a new policy known as the EB One (Hit) Initiative."

The letter said the policy is modeled after the East Brunswick One initiative.

The letter goes on to say that under the program, "students would be allowed strictly one hit of E-cigarette products per visit to the bathroom" and "students who take more than one hit of their devices will face suspension, referral to a grade level administrator and an immediate phone call to parents/guardians on first offense."

"E-cigarettes are treated as drug paraphernalia right now," Valeski said. "If students are caught vaping it leads to an immediate test to determine if they are consuming a controlled substance."

Last week, Principal Michael Vinella sent a note to parents alerting them that "Use of E-cigarettes and vaping products is increasing among teens at an alarming rate."

"Easy availability, alluring advertisements, various flavors, and the belief that ‘vaping’ is a safe alternative to cigarettes have made them very appealing to our students," Vinella said in the letter. "There is also increasing evidence that young adults frequently use E-cigarettes and vaping products to get high from marijuana and/or THC oils and waxes that can be vaporized."

Due to the significant health concerns related to e-cigarettes and vaping products, "our district is taking steps to educate students and discourage the use of these harmful products," according to the letter.

The letter also said there are many resources in place at the high school that students and parents can go to for support.

"In particular, our student assistance specialists and counselors are available to help at any time," according to the letter. "If a student is currently involved in vaping and would like help, or has a concern for a friend, they can reach out to any staff member. Parents with concerns can also directly contact the school counseling team for support. If a student or parent chooses to self-disclose to school personnel, we will confidentially put together a support plan for the student and there will be no disciplinary consequences. Our top priority is that every student is safe and healthy."

The letter also said in the near future "we plan to bring in a professional speaker on the topic to address our students, staff, as well as hold an evening event for parents. Furthermore, any student found in possession of a vaping device, or vaping on school grounds, will participate in an educational online course and receive counseling services."

Staff Writer Susan Loyer: 732-565-7243; sloyer@gannettnj.com