The following programs are coordinated and sponsored by the Groton Dunstable Alliance for Youth. GDAY greatly appreciates the additional support and funding from the Groton Commissioners of the Trust Funds. All parents, community members, students, and school representatives are welcome! If school is canceled due to inclement weather, programs will also be canceled.

Please contact Dr. Judy Robinson, Groton Dunstable Regional School District with questions at 978-448-6362, X1132. or jrobinson@gdrsd.org.

YOUTH BEHAVIOR SURVEY COMMUNITY FORUM

Tuesday, February 27 7:00 PM Black Box Theater/High School

Presenter: Mr. James Byrne, Northeast Health Resources, Dr. Judith Robinson, GDRSD Health Coordinator

Panel of local police, school administrators, medical professionals, and students

This forum will provide participants with the results of the most recent survey administered to Middle School and High School students in March 2006. The School District participates in the Emerson Hospital Youth Risk Behavior Survey with surrounding districts and the results provide us with an important profile of the health of our children and teens. The panel will present the results and respond to questions and comments from the audience. The survey provides the community with a health profile of our youth and presents opportunities for education, intervention, and youth advocacy. PARENTS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND.

ALCOHOL USE AND TEENS: RITE OF PASSAGE OR RISKY BUSINESS—“TOWN MEETING” FOR PARENTS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND STUDENTS

Monday, March 5 7:00 PM Black Box Theater/High School

Moderator: Ms Bonnie Biocchi

YOUTH BEHAVIOR SURVEY DATA tells us that about 17% of grade 8 students and 43% of high school students have used alcohol recently. Alcohol is the most abused drug in our society and the drug that causes the most problems in the lives of

our youth—most of which will never be front page news headlines, but difficult nonetheless. As a community, we need to step up to the plate and discuss our commitment to teens in Groton and Dunstable. Come listen and discuss ideas for creating a safe community for our kids and strategies for reducing teen alcohol use.

PREVENTING FIRST USE: DRUGS OF CHOICE IN GROTON AND DUNSTABLE

Tuesday, March 13 7:00 PM Middle School North Library

Presenters: Special Agent, Ms. Tina Murphy, Drug Enforcement Agency, Dr. Steven Liljegren, Psychologist

This informative workshop will raise awareness for parents, students, and community members about strategies for preventing the first use of alcohol and other drugs. Additionally, the workshop will provide information on the types of “other drugs” that are popular among today’s teens, including an overview of the types of drugs, what they look like, and how they are commonly used. It will also provide an understanding of the effects and risks associated with drugs, the culture of drug use, and its consequences.

BEYOND THE COLLEGE TOUR

Thursday, March 29 7:00 PM Black Box Theater/High School

Presenter: Mr. Robert Sherwood, Dean for Student Development, Boston College and Ms. Janet Begin Richardson, Vice President for Student Affairs, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Come and discuss everything you may not hear about on the college admissions tour! Whether your first, only, or last child is going to college, there are so many questions about college life that need to be discussed before landing on campus. This workshop will offer the opportunity to address college life outside of the classroom. Discussion will focus on decisions students face once on campus, balancing social activities and academic responsibilities, the perceived norms of “college life,” parent involvement, and more.