HSA Middle School Newsletter
Spirit Week Photo Submissions, Advisory and More!

Preparing our students for tomorrow through real world experiences today
Week of September 18th, 2020

Advisory Press Release

Suicide Prevention Press Release Sept 2020:
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. As a community we can work together to promote awareness and help prevent suicide. Starting a conversation about mental health and suicide prevention is the first step in supporing others during a crisis. Read below for information about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. We are called to action to offer support, hope, and understanding. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Risk Factors:
Mental illness/psychiatric diagnosis
Family history of suicide and/or exposure to suicide Family history of mental illness
Physical/sexual abuse
Losses
Aggressive behavior/impulsivity
Lack of social support/social isolation
Poor coping skills
Access to ways of harming oneself, like guns, knives, etc.
Difficulties in dealing with sexual orientation
Physical illness
Family disruptions (divorce or problems with the law)
Traumatic event
Warning Signs:
Preoccupation with death (e.g., recurring themes of death or self-destruction in artwork or written assignments
Intense sadness and/or hopelessness
Not caring about activities that used to matter
Social withdrawal from family, friends, sports, social activities
Substance abuse
Sleep disturbance (either not sleeping or staying awake all night)
Giving away possessions
Risky behavior
Lack of energy
Inability to think clearly/concentration problems
Declining school performance/increased absences from school
Increased irritability
Changes in appetite
Important Events
September 18th
Submit Work by 2 pm
October 8th
Parent Teacher Conference
October 16th
Staff PD (No School)
