The SOS (Signs of Suicide) Lesson -
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.
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:
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that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help
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how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend
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to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend
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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. The lessons will be conducted on the following dates: 10/30/23, 11/8/23, 11/14/23, 11/15/23, and 11/20/23. 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:
- A youth suicide prevention handout - English
- en español
- Community-Based Resources
- Proveedores comunitarios - Spanish
- Provedores da comunidade - Portuguese
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
- National Crisis Text Line (text ACT to 74141)
- An optional Bridge Builders Academy will be offered in person and live streaming on 9/13/2023 from 6:00pm- 7:00pm at the Tuckahoe Area Library for all middle and high school parents/caregivers
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in this program please contact me at 750-2630 or any of our school counselors at 750-2636. (Mrs. Mizelle - Last Names A-B; Ms. Dougherty - 8th Grade Last Names C-Z). 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 no later than Monday, October 23rd).
Sincerely,
Robert L. Stevens, II
Principal, Quioccasin Middle School