NEW DISTRICT POSITIONS 'BRIDGE GAP' ON DRUGS

Surrey School District has a number of new initiatives this year, including
five positions to tackle substance use among youth.

District spokesman Doug Strachan said the substance use liaison program, a
first for Surrey, will offer youth and families support through education,
referrals and monthly "connection" meetings for parents.

"They have extensive experience working with youth," he said.

"They'll be able to provide resources for families, and not just students."

Spearheaded by safe schools manager Theresa Campbell, the program will have
close association with Surrey RCMP.

"Essentially, what we're trying to do is bridge the gaps between school,
home and the community," Campbell said.

"We want to expand the work we're doing and provide additional intervention
and support to students and families."

She said each liaison will be designated to one area of the district,
rotating among its schools to develop relationships with students to help
detect drug trends. The liaisons will also provide educational
presentations, advice and referrals to youth and parents.

"We're really trying to bring the community together," she said, adding the
liaisons could also help identify other needs within the city regarding
substance use prevention and intervention.

Campbell is coordinator behind Protecting Surrey School Together, a website
(www.psst-bc.ca) offering youth chance to anonymously report concerns such
as bullying, while promoting school safety. Launched last year, the website
was a first in Canada.

In addition to welcoming a new superintendent, Mike McKay, and secretary
treasurer, Wayne Noye, the district is implementing a few more changes this
September.

Surrey Traditional School now offers a Grade 12 curriculum, making it the
only traditional school offering Grades 1 to 12.

The district's Punjabi language program has also expanded - now offered at
Princess Margaret and Tamanawis secondary schools in addition to Beaver
Creek, Strawberry Hill and Newton elementaries.

"This will be the first time at the secondary level," Strachan said.

For information, visit www.sd36.bc.ca