In Blue Valley, we understand the importance of a balance between supporting academic pursuits and the whole child including mental health. This is why Blue Valley is committed during September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and every month to suicide prevention and awareness for all students and staff, kindergarten through twelfth grade. There are many activities and supports the district puts in place for students around suicide prevention and awareness, including universal prevention supports at each school level.
Mental health support comes in a variety of shapes and sizes at all grade levels within the district, starting with the school student support team made up of a dedicated school social worker, school counselor, and school psychologist on staff. Parents and guardians should feel welcome to contact any member of the school mental health team with questions or concerns about their child. These professionals can support the student during the school day and provide community mental health resources as needed.
Elementary Schools
At the elementary level, students participate in connection activities, an evidence-based program on happiness and resiliency, and provide self-report or teacher-reported data on various social emotional competencies. Starting this fall, all Blue Valley students (with parent/guardian consent) will have the opportunity to participate in this survey.
Middle and High Schools
Each of our middle school and high school students have an opportunity to get involved in a student-led school culture program centered around increasing help seeking behaviors and promoting connections between students, their peers, and trusted adults. Students engage in suicide prevention lessons that teach them about suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about mental health. At the middle and high school level, students also learn how to identify the signs of suicide in themselves and peers and learn how to respond with help seeking behaviors.
Resources
Preventing suicide is a community responsibility and one that Blue Valley Schools is dedicated to heightening. If you, a loved one, or anyone you know needs crisis support, text the Crisis Text line HOME to 741-741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-272-8255. In the case of an emergency, call 911.
