RIFLE MIDDLE SCHOOL 6-8TH GRADE PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL
Vape Detection Provides Evidence-Based Enforcement and Strong Deterrence at a Colorado Middle School
Across Colorado, middle schools are seeing a shift in student vaping trends. What began as occasional nicotine use has increasingly included THC devices, raising both disciplinary and safety concerns. For school leaders, the challenge is balancing student privacy rights with the responsibility to maintain a safe and drug-free campus.
At Rifle Middle School, Principal Rob Dean needed a solution that would provide objective evidence, reduce reliance on student reports, and create a strong deterrent effect. By implementing Zeptive’s wireless vape detectors, the school gained actionable alerts and significantly reduced incidents.
School Background
Rifle Middle School serves grades 6 through 8 in Colorado. Principal Rob Dean brings experience from a wide range of settings, he joined Rifle in 2019 and became principal after serving as dean and assistant principal.
The school is part of a district spanning three small communities, with 10 schools total, including two high schools, two middle schools, and six elementary schools.
The Vaping Challenge
While vaping was not initially widespread among sixth graders, issues began escalating among seventh and eighth graders approximately four to five years ago.
“We obviously want to get that out of here,” Rob explains.
Before installing Zeptive vape detectors, the school relied primarily on word of mouth from students.
However, that approach created challenges. “I value student rights and their right to privacy. That has to be balanced with the student's right to not have vapes in school.”
FAST FACTS
CUSTOMER
Rifle Middle School (6-8)
INDUSTRY
Education
GEOGRAPHY
Colorado
DISTRICT SIZE
Approximately 550 students
THE ISSUE
Need for evidence-based enforcement while protecting student privacy.
RESULTS
Significant deterrent effect after installation
Reduction in confirmed vaping incidents
Clear documentation supporting student searches
BENEFITS
Scalable deployment model
Wireless installation
Audible and proximity deterrent alarms
Vape, THC, and tamper detection
Objective evidence for privacy-balanced enforcement
Why They Chose Zeptive
The district’s high schools, Coleridge High School and Rifle High School, had already implemented Zeptive. After speaking with a peer administrator who reported positive results, Rob decided to start at the middle school level.
One factor that stood out immediately was scalability.
“That's one of the things we really like about the system, is that it's scalable,” Rob shared.
The school began with two active detectors in eighth-grade bathrooms, where incidents were most frequent. Over time, they expanded placement to other restrooms.
Budget-conscious purchasing allowed them to expand gradually while staying within district procurement thresholds.
Implementation and Use
Installation was quick. The devices were mounted easily, and protective wire cages were later added for durability after minor accidental damage from student activity.
Initially, audible alarms were turned off. However, administration later activated them and saw an immediate impact.
“When that alarm goes off, you see the boys, boom, they’re out of that bathroom.”
The audible alert created an instant deterrent effect. The detectors provide the documentation needed to act confidently and consistently.
Results & Impact
Since installing Zeptive:
Vaping incidents have significantly decreased
The school has seen strong deterrent effects
Students understand enforcement is consistent
Searches are based on objective evidence rather than suspicion
Rob notes that this school year, the vape detector has not been triggered for confirmed vaping incidents, an outcome he attributes largely to deterrence.
“That’s not to say they’re not here. But they know we’re not playing around.”
Looking Ahead
With reports of vaping appearing even among upper elementary grades within the district, Rifle Middle School plans continued expansion of detector coverage.
Rob also emphasizes the importance of networking and professional conferences, particularly through the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE), as key venues for administrators seeking preventative technology solutions.
For Rob, the most important takeaway is balance: “It’s a way for people who really go, ‘I don’t want that in my school,’ to have the evidence they need. You do the search, and you assert your rights as a school to say, no, we’re not doing that here.”