7th Grade

September/October:

• Duke TIP Program: Students who scored 95%tile or higher on a standardized test or who are identified as AIG were given information about how to participate in the 7th Grade Duke Talent Search Program. Eligible students are invited to take the SAT or ACT. Information about enrolling in the program was given to students.
• In honor of 'Anti-Bullying Awareness' month, we will promote awareness about ways to stop bullying through morning announcements, as well as 'Blue' and 'Orange' shirt day.

November: All WCPSS 7th grade students will receive SOS (Signs of Suicide). This is a research evidence based suicide prevention program geared towards 7th graders. It will be presented through science classes. The main message of the program is ACT (Acknowledge, Care, and Tell). A letter regarding the program was sent home to parents in October.

Our goals in participating in this program are:

• To help our students understand that depression is a treatable illness
• To explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that often occurs as a result of untreated depression
• To provide students training in how to identify serious depression and potential suicidality in themselves or a friend
• To impress upon youth that they can help themselves or a friend by taking the simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns
• To help students know whom in the school they can turn to for help, if they need it

December:

The Youth Services Team from 'Interact' will provide an educational lesson focused on 'Don't Lose Control'. Students will learn to express anger and solve conflicts in healthy and non-violent ways.