NORTHERN VALLEY — In an attempt to address the problem of teenage suicide and depression, Northern Valley officials and parents are coming together to discuss the factors that contribute to stress in the lives of youth.

Drawing specifically from concerns raised by members of the Asian community regarding depression, board member Kyung Hee Choi said a meeting was held in late January between school officials and parents to address the issue. That meeting resulted in the formation of a committee of parents, students and school district representatives to identify stressors in the lives of students.

"There is a need in the Asian community. Students and parents need help," said Choi, mentioning the high rate of Asian suicide and the conviction by those who do attempt it. "They don’t just take a few pills," she said adding that she has spoken with doctors who have attested to that.

Choi thinks a bilingual guidance counselor would be a valuable asset to the Asian students at Northern Valley. She said troubled students might have an easier time opening up to someone whom they perceive as coming from a similar background. At Northern Valley, Asians make up approximately 25 percent of the student body.

However, the school board agreed that the need to identify and deal with the burden on young people, is a cross-cultural concern.

School board member Ray Wiss thinks it would be worthwhile for a committee to be formed to "identify the stressors and services we could deliver to ameliorate or provide conduits to help."

Superintendent Jan Furman said children must not be sheltered from stress but rather taught how to cope with it productively.

"If it’s not the SATs [causing stress] it will be the licensing exams or bars," she said.

Therefore the individuals who have already volunteered to be part of the committee are now trying to determine if the district would be eligible for federal grant money. The money could fund whatever recommendations the committee comes up with, such as additional counseling services.

The committee currently consists of approximately eight volunteers of parents, school district representatives and Asian American professionals who have knowledge in this area of concern. Among them, Furman mentioned a psychiatrist and attorney specializing in career changes in south Asians.

Even if the grant money is not procured, Furman said the district is making efforts to increase the availability of support for students who need it. The high schools Student Assistance Counselors are being budgeted for an increased presence from four to five days a week.

Anyone interested in being part of the committee may e-mail Furman at Furman@nvnet.org.