Minnesota Student Survey offers snapshot of teen behavior
March 22, 2011
Eden Prairie News, March 22, 2010
By Leah Shaffer
For the most part, Eden Prairie teens are making the right choices, at least according to most recent results of the Minnesota Student Survey.
“It’s really strong percentages of kids who are doing the things that they know are going to help them be successful,” said Becky Hudlow, the Eden Prairie School District’s retired director of health services.
Hudlow has spent years at Eden Prairie Schools with an inside perspective on the mental and physical health of the district’s students. For the most part, she’s seen some positive trends over the years.
Alcohol and tobacco use continue to tick downward over the past decade. In the most recent student survey 85 percent of ninth-grade students report not drinking at all in the past year, along with 53 percent of 12th-graders.
“We see that trend going down since 1995, of kids using alcohol,” said Hudlow. (more…)
Prevention comes with collaboration
February 24, 2011
Eden Prairie News, February 11, 2011
By Randy Thompson
Are you concerned about a teenager in your life that is showing signs of chemical abuse? Or have you wondered if you’re doing enough to empower youth against drugs and alcohol? Maybe you’re looking for resources to learn more? Look no further than EP4Y (Eden Prairie for Youth).
Each month, members of EP4Y – a community coalition that exists to prevent underage drinking and drug use – will highlight local people, ideas and programs that promote healthy decision making among the youth of Eden Prairie. Look for a new article submitted by Eden Prairie parents, students and community members each month. Learn more about us at EP4Y.org.
How did EP4Y start? It started years ago as Eden Prairie Prevention Advisory, which was a group of parents, school staff, community members, local clergy and other members of youth organizations. This group met monthly to discuss youth drug and alcohol use and think of new ideas for prevention and development. At a spring meeting in 2007, it was proposed that the advisory group move to the next level of collaboration, and it was from this momentum that the EP4Y coalition came to be in 2008. (more…)
Youth scholarships
February 7, 2011
EP4Y is committed to healthy youth development, and part of this goal is to ensure that all youth have access to programs.
We have helped raise money for youth scholarships which are distributed through PROP, our local social service agency. Scholarships for qualifying youth may include areas such as
- school sports
- summer enrichment programs
- leadership clubs
- music classes
- tutor support
- other activities that promote student involvement
This is a collaborative effort of Eden Prairie service providers. A need is identified by a provider or a parent, and PROP provides supportive solutions including financial grants. To make a donation to PROP for youth scholarships visit www.propfood.org and specify the youth scholarship fund with your donation.