The next School District of Lee County Community Conversations with Student Services will highlight vaping, code of conduct, positive behavior intervention and support, mental health, and health services.

The event in Cape Coral will be held from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21, at Skyline Elementary School,

“Our Student Services Department holds community meetings every school year,” district spokesperson Rob Spicker said. “They are important for us to stay connected with what our parents and community feel are important topics and for us to share information with them.”

The primary reasons topics are chosen are to share information with parents or gather their input on issues that impact our schools, classrooms, and students.

“For instance, the Student Code of Conduct is discussed every year since it is revised every year. This year the school board has directed staff to gather feedback on student cell phone use so these meetings are a parent’s opportunity to express if and how cell phones should be used or limited on campus,” Spicker said. “Vaping is one of this year’s topics so we can continue to help parents with strategies to stop their student from vaping, share the resources available to them and how our schools can prevent their use.”

In addition, health services is on the agenda this year to let parents know about the changes in policy and additional resources the district has added to the schools so they are prepared to deal with medical needs and emergencies.

The meeting will provide a general presentation before breaking down into table discussions on each of the topics.

“Guests will be divided into small groups and spend time with District staff on each topic. This set up allows for a conversation to occur so information and ideas can be shared in a more personal way. We use the feedback provided to develop policies and procedures,” Spicker said.

The community meetings are held at host school sites across the district to make it convenient for parents to attend.

“Parents can attend any session that works for them. The schools chosen for this series of conversations offer an opportunity to learn and be heard at sites in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Bonita Springs and then centrally at the district office,” he said. “Parent involvement is critical to a child’s education. We want them to be a part of these community conversations so we hear from them and can incorporate their ideas into our programs and policies. We hope they will join us to learn more about the district and what we do and help us help their student.”

Skyline Elementary School is at 620 SW 19th St.

A community conversation also is set for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at the Lee County Public Education Center, 2855 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.