MSHS will conduct a Teen/Youth Suicide Prevention Program tomorrow, December 9th, from 8:30 – 9:20AM. The school will follow an AM Long Assembly schedule with student-led presentations given to all 1st period classes.
Representatives from the King County Youth Suicide Prevention Program recently trained members of Mt Si’s ASB caucus and Natural Helper Program. These trained ASB/Natural Helpers will use a practiced lesson plan and power point presentation during the program. The student leaders will give information to their peers on the topics of depression, stress, suicide risk factors and warning signs and suicidal behaviors. They will also present helpful responses and local referral resources in the event any student feels they have a friend at risk.
Teachers will excuse any students who chose not to participate in the program. These students can go to the counseling center where they can choose to speak with a counselor or just sit in the Commons until the presentations finish.
MSHS hopes the program broadens its student body’s knowledge of suicide while also delivering a message of hope and outreach.
The topic of youth/teen suicide has been in national headlines over the past few months. It is something that has touched my daughter’s life personally as well as many other valley residents – many more deeply than my daughter. There are so many great kids at our high school. I hope this presentation is helpful and educational for them.
