Instructions: Please send to your parents-guardians the morning of the Information Session date

Subject: Universal Screening Info Sessions Today 

Dear [School Name] Parents-Guardians, 

You are invited to participate in one of two information sessions for parents-guardians today where we will share details about the upcoming screening process proven to assess risk and prevent teen suicide. We will share information and answer questions to help you know exactly what you may expect. 

[Date]

[Time Option 1]

[Zoom Link]

[Date]

[Time Option 2]

[Zoom Link]

We will be providing school-specific details about exactly when and how your student may participate in the screening process. After learning and understanding more about the process, parents-guardians will have the opportunity to opt out using this form if you do not want your child to participate in the assessment. 

What is the Screening? 

In partnership with county mental health professionals and the district wellness team, our high schools will be engaging students in a universal screening process, The Columbia -Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), proven to assess risk and prevent teen suicide. Our area is experiencing an increase in suicide-related incidents and schools such as ours have the access and opportunity to systematically assess risk and save lives. 

Participants are asked a few simple questions about suicidal thoughts and behavior that empower us to find people who are at risk and prevent tragedies before they happen. It tells who needs a next step, and provides recommendations for support for the student and family. 

It's a three-level process: 

Level 1: While at home during an online class period, students will be asked to privately answer a questionnaire that takes approximately 3 minutes. 

Level 2: Based on students' answers, those possibly at risk will be invited to meet with a screener who is a qualified mental health professional for assessment. 

Level 3: Based on the screener's assessment, it's possible some students will be referred to an intake center for support and services. 

Does talking about it give people the idea? 

Studies show asking does not suggest suicide, or make it more likely. Open discussion is more likely to be experienced as relief than intrusion. Simply asking the questions is a positive action. When asked how they're doing, it signals that someone cares about them. This simple action promotes connectedness - a critical protective factor against suicide and violence. 

Please click here for more information about the significance and success of the screening program, including answers to frequently asked questions. 

Our team is taking great care in making sure all details are considered to best support our students. We are hopeful that a universal screening process will become a part of our health and resilience priorities, integral to our suicide prevention effots, so that we may save lives. 

Please join us at one of the two information sessions today. 

Sincerely, 

[Principal Name(s)]