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‘Hidden’ identifies risk factors [UPDATED]
Published 9:54am Friday, February 24, 2012 Updated 11:55am Friday, February 24, 2012The Otter Tail Family Services Collaborative — Chemical Health Work Group invites the public to a presentation called, “Hidden In Plain Sight.” This event is scheduled from 4-6 pm Tuesday, March 6 in the Kennedy Secondary School’s Otter Community Room.
“Hidden In Plain Sight” is the title and theme for a community presentation being held in partnership with Youth Health Day.
One of the primary goals of this work group is to prevent youth from using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. “Hidden In Plain Sight” is an opportunity for parents and community members to identify potential at-risk scenarios.
This unique event will be set up to look like a typical teenage bedroom. Participants will be able to explore the room and see if they will be able to find ways that youth could hide illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
Members of the Chemical Health Work Group as well as law enforcement and other community agencies will have a contributing part in this event.
Also on March 6, the Chemical Health Work Group is proud to offer the Backstrom Family Community Presentation from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Kennedy Secondary School Auditorium. Come and hear a tragic and powerful message about three sober brothers wearing seat belts, driving responsibly, who were killed when one young man made three deadly choices.
iPad launch
Through Integration Revenue from the Minnesota Department of Education and local money donated to the Fergus Falls School District, each student at the High School Area Learning Center (ALC) will be using an iPad to learn. Application-based learning activities will promote literacy and mathematic skill development, as well as provide other individualized academic interventions.
This pilot program will connect students from Fergus Falls with students from Pelican Rapids to develop cultural connections, share learning activities, and create anti-bullying presentations.
By the end of this school year, each student at the Fergus Falls High School ALC and Middle School ALC will have access to an iPad. Integration Revenue is used for students to have: 1) increased and sustained interracial contacts and 2) improved educational opportunities designed to close the achievement gap.
Holocaust trip
On February 28, three students (Jennifer McDermott, Rebecca Wahl, Brody Casey-Borstad) and two staff members (Kacie Holcomb and Kristin Tuel) from the Area Learning Center will travel to Washington, DC to view the Holocaust Memorial Museum. The purpose of the trip is to increase the educational experience and cultural awareness of all Area Learning Center students.
The group will leave Fergus Falls at 2 a.m. and arrive back at approximately midnight.
This whirlwind trip — of less than 24 hours — will be one that they are sure to remember. For some it will be their first opportunity to fly, and for others it will be their first trip to our nation’s capital.
The students have been instrumental in raising the $400 to cover their expense for the trip.
Outdoor Facility
Task Force
The Task Force met for the fourth time on February 15 and finished the first phase of their work. The recommendation to the School Board is to have the soccer fields at Cleveland, improve the baseball field at Roosevelt; build two softball fields, eight tennis courts, an eight-lane track and football complex, along with an environmental learning area at the Kennedy site.
They are also recommending reducing the cost from the current science wing bonds at Roosevelt within this new project.
Currently, the public is paying $30 on a $100,000 house. The goal will be to reduce that amount to approximately $24 on a $100,000 house. More information will be shared in the coming months. If you have any questions, please contact my office.
