LOCAL TEENS CAN PARTICIPATE IN ADOLESCENT HEALTH SURVEY

For the first time, School District 43 students will participate in
the McCreary Centre Society's annual Adolescent Health Survey.

The survey, which gauges sexual activity and drug and alcohol use
among teens in grades 7 through 12, has long been dismissed by
trustees as too controversial.

But according to outgoing school board chair Melissa Hyndes, the
information gleaned from the survey could help district assist students.

"We've come to realize the data it produces is really useful for not
only our partners, but for us too," she said, adding that the survey
can indicate local trends and identify youth at risk.

Hyndes said what made trustees feel better about allowing the McCreary
survey to be conducted in local schools was the requirement of parents
to "opt-in" to the survey, submitting written permission in the form
of a letter to the school before their child can participate.

"Even the students have the option to back out if they feel the
questions are making them uncomfortable," Hyndes added.