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Signs of suicide, SOS, lesson Friday Sept. 13th
Posted by Patricia Lutkenhaus on Sunday, Sep 8 at 8:03 PM in Gene Pike Middle School
September 6, 2024
Dear Parent or Guardian:
The adolescent years are marked by a roller-coaster ride of emotions—difficult for students, their parents, and educators. It is easy to misread depression as normal adolescent turmoil; however, depression (among the most common of mental illnesses) appears to be occurring at a much earlier age. Depression—which is treatable—is a leading risk factor for suicide. In addition, self-injury has become a growing problem among youth.
Each year, Northwest ISD recognizes the national suicide prevention month, September. During this time, secondary campuses utilize the SOS Signs of Suicide® prevention program to bring awareness of depression and prevention. The program aims to increase awareness and encourages students to seek help when they are concerned about themselves or a friend. The message of the SOS program is to A-C-T – Acknowledge the signs of depression or suicide; show you Care; and Tell a trusted adult.
In addition to the school program, the SOS Signs of Suicide® program also provides parents and caregivers information about our suicide prevention efforts and helpful tools for supporting your child’s mental health. Resources include information on depression screening, reducing risk, spotting the signs, and talking to your child. School personnel will not be utilizing the school-wide SOS depression screening tool; however, as a parent, if you are concerned about your child, a school counselor or another mental health professional can assist you in providing a screening for your child.
To access the SOS parent information: https://www.mindwise.org/parents/
On Friday, September 13th, Pike Students will watch the SOS program during Advisory. If you do NOT wish for your child to participate in the SOS Middle School Program, please contact your child’s counselor before Thursday, September 12th. Thank you for allowing us to partner with you in the awareness of youth depression and the prevention of suicide.
Sincerely,
Tricia Lutkenhaus, Principal
Terry Evans, 6th Grade Counselor; terry.evans@nisdtx.org
Whitney Martin, 7th Grade Counselor; whitney.martin@nisdtx.org
Adam Aldridge, 8th Grade Counselor; aaldridge@nisdtx.org
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