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Substance Abuse New Campaign To Help Youth Portage Schools joined with the City of Portage and the Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force last month to announce Smart Summer 2009, an awareness campaign to help prevent substance abuse by teens. Mayor Peter Strazdas told a standing-room only crowd in the lobby of City Hall, “I’m proud that we are taking the initiative in a proactive and collaborative way to address substance abuse and work toward a healthy future for our community.” Messages will appear throughout the summer presented in two parts, posing two questions, such as “Do you know where your kids are Are you sure” and “Is the driver sober Are you sure” The Task Force hopes that these messages will cause parents to think twice about their children’s activities during the summer and ask critical questions that could prevent disaster. Through a variety of communications, the Task Force hopes to help parents set boundaries, monitor activities, and stay connected with their children. A number of public officials and Task Force members gathered at Portage City Hall last month to announce Smart Summer 2009. At the podium is Portage Mayor Peter Strazdas who introduced speakers (from the left): Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Fink, Portage Police Chief Richard White, Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team Captain Joe Taylor, Northern High School Assistant Principal Leslie Hainrihar, Superintendent Marsha Wells, and Kalamazoo County Substance Abuse Task Force members Mark Anthony Martin and Melissa Sparrow. In addition to the Smart Summer messages for parents, introduced by Mayor Strazdas and outlined by Superintendent Marsha Wells and Northern High Assistant Principal Leslie Hainrihar, other initiatives that make up the community-wide response to substance abuse were also announced: • Portage Police Chief Richard White spoke about “Operating Under the Influence” enforcement zones. • Task Force members Mark Anthony Martin and Melissa Sparrow addressed the initiative to educate alcohol vendors about not selling to minors. • County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Fink warned parents about the liabilities of hosting parties that include alcohol. • Captain Joe Taylor of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team announced how the Silent Observer program now features a Text-a-Tip option. Mayor Peter Strazdas: “The end of the school year and summer is a particularly highrisk period for youth substance abuse. The Smart Summer 2009 initiative is designed to provide tools to parents and community members in order to keep our kids safe.” Superintendent Marsha Wells: - “Portage Schools is also working with the Kalamazoo County Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services to designate a full-time school-based consultant. Beginning this coming school-year, this professional will work with all of our schools in the areas of prevention, intervention, and coordination of services with students, families, and faculty and staff.” Assistant Northern High Principal Leslie Hainrihar: - “The initiative consists of 12 weeks of educational messages for parents and our communityat-large using various marketing strategies to raise awareness for the prevention of substance abuse. Each week will unveil a new message.” 323-5000 www.portageps.org Page 7
A Proud Tradition Page 8 www.portageps.org 323-5000
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47inch Commercial Tab (Page 1) - Portage Public Schools

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