The Prevention Press Volume 2 Issue 2

________________________________________________________ Hot Topics in DCSD and the Community

Calendar of Upcoming Events

National Suicide Awareness Prevention Month September is National Suicide Awareness Prevention Month. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for our youth and the seventh leading cause of death in the state of Colorado according to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. Four out of five teens who attempt suicide have given clear warning signs to those around them. The more signs that a person shows, the greater their risk for suicide is. Knowing the warning signs and what to do when you see them can help make suicide preventable. Here are signs that may indicate someone is thinking about suicide (taken from the Youth Suicide Prevention Program website.)       

September 24th: Out of Darkness Walk Click here for more details September 26th: Douglas County Youth Initiative Youth Congress; PACE Center Click here for more details

A previous suicide attempt Current talk of suicide or making a plan Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death Giving away prized possessions Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness withdrawal Increased alcohol and/or other drug use Hinting at not being around in the future or saying goodbye.

Sources of Strength is an evidenced-based youth suicide prevention program that uses peer-led social networks to positively change unhealthy norms and cultures. It also connects teens with trusted adult mentors to break codes of silence and increase protective factors. Douglas County Schools that have Sources of Strength in their building are:

Castle Rock Middle School Chaparral High School Mountain Vista High School ThunderRidge High School DC Oakes Ponderosa High School

What You Need to Know About E-Cigarettes

Sierra Middle School Rocky Heights Middle School Rock Canyon High School Castle View High School Plum Creek Academy

Free Events with Team U.P. Free Offerings-Events-Opportunities Life Skills Classes Have Begun

Student Wellness & Prevention Framework September

As we enter the second month of school, Life Skills classes are Acceptance and Appreciation of Self and Others starting in classrooms around our district. Life Skills, developed 5th Grade Boys by Dr. Gilbert Botvin, is an evidenced-based prevention program for students, families, and communities. The objectives for Life Imagine a World Without Hate (for upper elementary-high Skills include personal self-management skills, general social school) skills, and drug resistance skills. With each topic, the lessons No Body Shame (for upper elementary-high school) reinforce resiliency and also build on previous knowledge learned in prior levels. The elementary school curriculum is for third Broadway for Orlando Tribute through sixth grades and it includes eight, forty-five minute lessons. The topics taught include the following: self-esteem, https://www.dcsdk12.org/prevention-and-school-culture decision making, smoking, advertising, dealing with stress, communication, social skills, and assertiveness. The middle school curriculum has between 10-15 topics depending on the grade level. In addition to incorporating what was taught in the elementary level, it also effectively supports the reduction of violence and other high-risk behaviors. The high school level continues to build on the objectives and focuses on preparing the students for the responsibilities that they will face as they become young adults. This year, Team U.P. will be offering these classes for students in grades 3-12 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from September-November and January-April. Please contact the regional representatives listed below if you would like these lessons brought to your school.

Student Wellness and Prevention Survey This month in the Student Wellness and Prevention Framework, the Prevention and School Culture Department has an anonymous survey for all 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th graders in the district. The surveys are developmentally appropriate and the students answer if they agree, disagree, or are in the middle. The questions ask if the student knows when and where to get help for themselves and/or a friend in need. In addition, the survey addresses if the student is aware of the differences between what is considered a typical youth behavior verses behaviors of concern and therefore need to be reported. The last question of the survey asks if students are familiar with the anonymous Safe2Tell or Text-A-Tip reporting measures depending on their grade level. Schools are encouraged to participate in this survey so that they can continue to support their students’ overall health as they progress throughout the school year. Research indicates that if students can recognize when they need help and know where to find it, then bullying, substance abuse, school violence, and suicide are prevented. If you have any questions about the survey, then please contact Heather Riemer at [email protected]

The Y.E.S.S. Program in Douglas County Did you know that the primary role of several law enforcement officers in our county is to work in our schools to teach our students? The Y.E.S.S. program, Youth Education and Safety in Schools, coordinated by Phyllis Harvey, has been in existence for eight years and is a partnership between DCSD and the Douglas County Sheriff Department. Y.E.S.S. offers a curriculum that covers internet safety, dating abuse, harassment/sexual harassment, and substance abuse issues. The Y.E.S.S. instructors are uniformed, commissioned officers from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Castle Rock Police Department, the Parker Police Department, and the Lone Tree Police Department. They teach middle school students how to resist pressures surrounding these topics and how to create a more positive culture. Talk with you middle schooler to see if they have had one of the six lessons taught in this curriculum. Currently thirteen middle schools, including four charter schools, support this program in our district.

Regional Representatives Castle Rock

Highlands Ranch

Parker

Heather Riemer

Ann Metz

Janet Hatt

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Ann Walton

Kimberly Moore

Heather Riemer

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Cyndi Redfern, Prevention Relations Lead [email protected] Staci McCormack, Prevention & School Culture Coordinator [email protected]