TASK FORCE TO TACKLE DRUG ISSUES

Dear Editor,

As you may have read in your local newspaper, the communities within Battle
River Regional Division #31 are experiencing an increase in the use of
illegal and dangerous narcotics by youth.

While Battle River Regional Division #31 feels strongly that the large
majority of our students are not affected by the problem, our sense of
community and accessibility to youth has necessitated our involvement.

At the request of the Drug Response Task Force, the division has accepted
an invitation to partner with an impressive number of community agencies in
this important initiative.

I must stress that the region's illegal narcotic problem is a community
issue that, by nature of the demographic it impacts, has filtered into some
division schools.

Our response has been to strike working and advisory committees that will
work diligently on a focused response.

We have seconded PACE Outreach School principal Kerry LaBerge to assist the
division in our efforts.

Mr. LaBerge also serves as the Drug Response Task Force chairman and is an
excellent resource based on his experience in dealing with at-risk youth
over the years.

Immediate efforts by the division to address the issue will include a drug
awareness and response campaign aimed at students, parents and staff using
media and school newsletters as a method of disseminating information.

As well, the division will provide professional development opportunities
for staff beginning next month.

Again I would like to emphasize that the vast majority of division students
are not affected by the drug problem and are making the appropriate choice
when it comes to drug use.

We encourage you to discuss the drug issue with your children and keep the
lines of communication open with them. We also feel that parents need to be
aware of the signs and symptoms associated with the many illegal street
drugs available to youth. If you require any assistance by way of resource
information or contacts, I would encourage you to call AADAC at 672-1181 or
toll free at 1-866-332-2322.

Battle River Regional is a school division that takes great pride in
nurturing a sharing and caring learning environment for all of its students
and it is for that reason we feel compelled to partner in this community
initiative.

Sincerely, Dr. Warren Phillips

Acting Superintendent of Schools Battle River Regional Division #31