Suicide Prevention Training of Students October 25th In Morning Classes

Posted on: October 20, 2021

Dear Parent / Guardian,  

During this challenging 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. We will be running this program on Monday, October 25, 2021 by age cohort.  

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 a video and complete a brief depression screening tool. This tool cannot provide a diagnosis of depression but does indicate whether a young person should be referred for evaluation by a mental health professional.  

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. 

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in this program please contact me at 978)825-3470 or jenthomas@newlibertysalem.com or Robin LoConte at the same number or this email:  robinloconte@newlibertysalem.com.
 

Sincerely, 

Jen Thomas, LICSW, SAC
Robin LoConte, MS, SAC

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