Dear Parent or Guardian:
The Monett School District remains committed to sharing information and resources about mental health topics that could potentially impact students. During the 2022-2023 school year, we have utilized programs and activities that support the physical, social, and psychological well-being of students. A variety of initiatives (e.g. mindfulness, individual and group counseling, wellness initiatives, etc.) are available for students.
Monett R-1 School Board Policy states, “Starting no later than fifth grade, students will receive age-appropriate information and instruction on suicide awareness and prevention. Information and instruction may be offered in health education, by the counseling staff, or in other curricula as may be appropriate.”
Signs of Suicide (SOS) Prevention Program is an award-winning, evidence-based suicide prevention program that teaches students how to identify signs and symptoms of depression in themselves and their friends. This program also teaches students how to respond with the use of the acronym, ACT: Acknowledge, Care, and Tell.
At Monett Intermediate School, we will focus on age-appropriate information including the above: Acknowledge, Care, and Tell, as well as teach students about their emotions. This prevention education will be presented to fifth graders through a classroom lesson by Mrs. K. Brown, MIS Student Success Coach, during your student’s regularly scheduled Character Education lesson, the week of February 6, 2023.
You are welcome to view the Powerpoint presentation shown to students by following this link. We encourage you to talk with your students about their mental health and to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.
Monett Intermediate School