Student Wellness and Prevention October Newsletter
October 2017
Dear Larkspur Families,
As we work towards promoting student wellness in all areas, we want to ensure that every student in Douglas County knows what steps to take when they encounter a peer or family member in need of help. It’s often difficult for children to know what to say or do when they recognize a peer or family member needs help. They may be afraid of intruding or saying the wrong thing so they assume someone else will intervene. If they know someone needs help, the person to say something is them. If we can get students help when they need it instead of waiting for someone else to do it, then we decrease the likelihood of bullying, school violence, substance abuse, and suicide.
Based on students’ developmental levels, we will explore this topic with our students:
Elementary, Middle school, and High school students will learn about Trusted Adults and Sources of Support.
Middle school students will learn about how to help a friend in need by being introduced to a three-step helping model: A.C.T. (Acknowledge, Care, Tell).
High school students will continue to be encouraged to utilize the skills of A.C.T. to assist a friend in need of help. Students will also be given a “Signs and Symptoms of Depression” handout and a “Suicide Warning Signs” handout.
We encourage you to support our efforts by discussing this month’s topic of how to help a friend or family member. Remember that if your child shares thoughts or behaviors that concern you, you too can follow the A.C.T. model (acknowledge, care, tell). Check us out next month when we explore: Healthy Relationships.
Remember that if your child shares thoughts or behaviors that concern you there are many resources available to you at your student’s school (counselor, mental health provider, teacher) and in the community. Your child’s safety is of the utmost importance, and we at Larkspur will do all we can to support every student’s well-being. Please consider the resources offered on the PREVENTION and SCHOOL CULTURE (https://www.dcsdk12.org/prevention-and-school-culture) website if you want to learn more about this topic.
In Partnership,
Larkspur’s Anti-bullying/Wellness/Prevention Team
