Recognizing Potential ~ Maximizing Achievement Dear Medina City School Parents,

Medina City Schools

Superintendent

Aaron J. Sable Treasurer

David M. Chambers

Board of Education Thomas L. Cahalan Douglas C. Eastwood Rebecca M. Parkhurst Ronald D. Ross Robert C. Skidmore, Esq.

 

   

The Medina City School district wants to assure a safe and secure learning environment for all students. Because of this, we want to make you aware of a resource that is available to both you and our students and addresses a need in our community. In 2012, the Medina County Community Needs Assessment indicated that 17% of Medina County youth had seriously considered suicide in the past year and 7% admitted attempting suicide in the past year. The rates in Ohio for these same indicators were 14% and 9% and in the U.S. the rates were 16% and 8% respectively.* These rates are concerning to all of us and we, as a school community, want to be certain that our parents have the resources available to assist our students. The district has provided the Safe School Helpline© for several years as a resource for parents and students. This hotline allows parents, students, or anyone to report a concern via telephone or internet. Access to this helpline can be found on our website (www.medinabees.org) in the left corner or by calling 1‐800‐4‐1‐VOICE ext. 359 (1‐800‐418‐6423 ext. 359). There is also a free Mobile App available for our hotline on Google Play and the App Store. We encourage all of you to utilize this service 24 hours a day 7 days a week whenever you have a concern about a student. The helpline was put in place by the District to maintain a safe and positive school environment. It should be utilized to report any wrongdoings, illegal activity, or student crisis situations. Reports can be made anonymously. There is also access to a live counselor and staff will ensure that your call is routed to the appropriate place should the issue require immediate attention. It is especially important that this hotline be utilized for situations in which you have concerns about student safety. Although it may, at times, seem easier or more comfortable to email staff or leave a message afterhours, on the weekends, or during the school day, leaving a message is not the best means to deal with an emergency situation. Please utilize this service immediately if you have a concern about a student’s safety, health or wellbeing as it ensures immediate attention to the students. All calls are forwarded to the schools and other appropriate officials. You also have the option to call back in three days to receive an update on your call. If you have any questions about the helpline please contact the Office of Educational Services at 330‐636‐3090. Sincerely, Kristine Quallich, Ph.D. Director of Educational Services

[ 739 Weymouth Rd

P.O. Box 408

Medina, Ohio 44258

[ P 330-725-8831

[ F 330-764-3501