NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
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More than 40 students worked with a team of experts to develop innovative ideas to reduce the number of non-smokers taking up vaping.
The event, held Wednesday at Markville Secondary School gave students the opportunity to connect and problem solve with professionals from the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Regional Municipality of York Public Health and York Regional Police. Students learned about the risks associated with vaping, and used what they learned to develop innovative ideas to help reduce the number of youth vaping.
Students reported that they enjoyed the collaborative approach to problem solving, as well as the opportunity to work with community partners and provide input into solving problems that affect youth.
“I think today caused a complete change in how we think about decision making,” said student Arthur Chen.
“This experience was very effective. I learned so much and I collaborated effectively with others,” said Alexa Berman.
The students are enrolled in the Business or Health and Wellness Specialist High Skills Majors program. This event is one of several the Board is offering this year in collaboration with community organizations to support innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship training.
“Our students had a unique opportunity today to engage in rich experiential learning in partnership with our community partners, Health and Stroke Foundation, YRP, and York Region Public Health. They were able to participate in activities that not only enhanced their creativity, communication and collaboration skills, but also allowed them to design activities that would help support the health of young people like themselves,” said Markville S.S. Principal Patricia Obadia
“We applaud the students and staff at Markville for tackling one of the most challenging health issues for teens head on,” said Karen Trainoff, Director of Mission, Heart & Stroke. “These discussions are important as we know that studies show that kids who vape are four times more likely to start smoking traditional cigarettes. We’re thrilled to be a part of such an innovative, youth-led initiative.”
Specialist High Skills Major programs let students experience a range of customized, career-focused learning opportunities while working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. YRDSB has 33 secondary schools offering over 100 separate programs that represent different sectors of the economy, including arts and culture, business, and health and wellness.
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 124,000 students in 177 elementary schools and 33 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow @YRDSB on Twitter.
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