1. SOS: Signs of Suicide Prevention Program Weston Middle School Parent Information Session

2. Agenda 1. Weston Middle School SOS Team 2. Introduction to SOS Program 3. Video: “Get Into the Act” 4. Explanation of Screening Form and follow-up protocols 5. Referral resources and procedures 6. Questions & Suggestions

3. SOS Team Mitch Finnegan, Dir. of Wellness Education – WPS Pat Hoban, RN. Administrators and Grade Leaders Weston Middle School Guidance Department – Kim Roslonek Weston Middle School Health Teachers

4. Introduction to SOS: Signs of Suicide Prevention Program

5. Standard #3 Emotional and Mental Health Students will acquire knowledge about emotions and mental health, the management of emotions, personality and character development. Students will learn skills to promote self- acceptance, make decisions, and cope with stress, including suicide prevention. Understanding mental health provides skills for dealing with personal crisis or difficult situations. It is important to understand and accept who you are. Communication is a key component of good mental health.

6. Need for Program Suicide rate among teenagers has doubled in last 10 years Suicide is 3 rd leading cause of death of children ages 10 to 19 Recent events in the news 2011 Weston Youth Risk Behavior Survey

7. SOS Program Components  Health & PE Department SOS Training  Organization of SOS Team  School-wide faculty/staff in-service  Creation of program protocols & resources  Coordination with community providers  Information session for parents  Administration of program in Seventh Grade & Freshmen Health Education classes  SOS Team Same-Day Review  Follow-up/Referral

8. SOS Class Outline 1. Introduction of SOS Program 2. Viewing of SOS video 3. Discussion & review of video 4. Discussion of referral procedures 5. Completion of BSAD & contact cards

9. SOS Video: Get Into the Act

10. Follow-up Protocols 1. Staff review of Screening Forms and contact cards 2. Referral resources and procedures 3. Questions & Suggestions

11. 2011 Weston Youth Health Assessment Self-Injury & Depression – by Grade

12. 2008 Weston Youth Health Assessment Self injury & Depression – by Gender

13. 2011 Weston Youth Health Assessment Scale of Suicidal Ideation – by Grade

14. 2011 Weston Youth Health Assessment Scale of Suicidal Ideation – by Gender

15. For more information: Mitch Finnegan Director of Wellness Education Finneganm@mail.weston.org Ext. 5955