Olympus Junior High will hold a suicide prevention lesson for all students on Monday, Oct. 26. Parents who want their child to sit out must act by Friday, Oct. 23.
Principal Mike Douglas announced the Signs of Suicide program, known as SOS, in an Oct. 9 message to families. The Granite District school serves roughly 807 students in the Holladay and Cottonwood Heights area.
The lesson will run during students' advisory classes. Students will watch video clips, join guided discussions and complete an exit slip indicating whether they'd like to speak with someone in the school's Counseling Center. Counseling staff will follow up with any student who requests support, according to the principal's message.
The program centers on what's called the ACT approach. Acknowledge: recognize warning signs and take them seriously. Care: show concern for someone who may be struggling. Tell: tell a trusted adult who can help.
Students who find the discussion difficult will not be required to participate. They may take a break as needed, and counselors will be available throughout.
The lesson falls during the first full week back from an extended break. Students are off Thursday, Oct. 15, and Friday, Oct. 16, for fall break. Teachers have professional development days Monday, Oct. 19, and Tuesday, Oct. 20, meaning no school for students those days either. The second term begins Wednesday, Oct. 21.
That gives families a narrow window. Parents with questions or who want to opt out should contact school social worker Dereck Robison at [email protected] by the Oct. 23 deadline.
Families can learn more about the program and access resources at sossignsofsuicide.org/parents.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
