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This year school staff are working to teach students about mental health and how to seek help if they are worried about themselves or a friend. We are using a program called SOS Signs of Suicide. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help.
SOS has been used by thousands of schools over the past few decades. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.
Through the program, students learn:
that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend
who they can turn to at school for help, if they need it
Students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend. Following the video, students will complete a response slip which asks whether they would like to talk to an adult about any concerns. School staff will conduct brief meetings with any student asking to talk.
This program will be provided to all eighth grade students through their Health class. Your child’s Health/PE teacher will inform your child of the exact day and week prior to the lesson.
We encourage you to visit www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn.
We are including:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
National Crisis Text Line (text ACT to 74141)
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in this program please contact school counseling at 804-673-3720. If you choose to opt your child out of this lesson, please complete and return this form to the school counseling office or your child’s Health/PE teacher.
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