News release

Digby SchoolsPlus Site Officially Opens

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

Kids and families from Digby and surrounding communities have more access to services and after-school activities with their SchoolsPlus site.

"Increasing services for kids and families in our schools is an important part of the Kids and Learning First education plan," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "The new Digby SchoolsPlus site is an excellent addition to the community and will ultimately help students succeed."

Ms. Jennex was joined by students, parents, teachers and representatives from Tri-County Regional School Board and partnering organizations in Digby County to officially open the SchoolsPlus hub site at Digby Regional High School. It will be a network centre for SchoolsPlus, serving a family of schools. The Digby site has been operating since September.

"SchoolsPlus is a place that the student body has helped create," said Vicky Amero, member of the Digby SchoolsPlus student advisory committee. "The room is a reflection of Digby Regional High School's student body, their values and morals. It is more than just a place with a comfy couch and nice reclining chairs, it is a masterpiece of how students think, feel and act.

"There is a specific program in place willing to help everyone and anyone. There is also an appropriate place where services can come in and students can feel comfortable and express themselves."

The province is investing $2.5 million in SchoolsPlus over the next few years. SchoolsPlus staff and community outreach workers consult students, families, teachers and others about their needs. They bring together professionals and programs tailored to the those needs.

Schools participating in SchoolsPlus co-ordinate and deliver about 100 services and activities such as:

  • March break programs
  • anger management
  • parenting
  • adult literacy and employment support
  • homework clubs and mentoring
  • arts, leadership and physical activity programs
  • entertainment and hobbies
  • summer science camps
  • programs designed to meet the needs of boys and girls

"I believe what SchoolsPlus truly means, is that, at long last, those cracks that so many of our youth fall into now have an opportunity to be filled," said Lori Andrews, a parent from Digby.

For more information about SchoolsPlus, visit http://schoolsplus.ednet.ns.ca .