Our first ever Family Engagement Nights are today and tomorrow. This is our school's version of a traditional Back to School Night. Elementary will include live teacher presentations. Secondary (grade 6th-12th) will be pre-recorded videos and information for families.

All presentations will be recorded for viewing anytime. Visit your teacher’s Canvas homeroom course (Language Arts) for details on how to attend their live session.

• 5:00 - 5:15pm: View the pre-recorded principal’s message on the Family Engagement website.

• 5:15 - 5:40pm: Teachers will introduce themselves and talk about their class. Then, they will have 15 minutes of question and answer time.

• 5:40 - 5:45 Break

• 5:45 - 6:20pm: Teachers will repeat the earlier session for those with siblings or who couldn’t make the earlier time

Visit the Family Engagement website to view the principal’s message, teacher’s video presentations with information about them and how their class works. There is also information for learning coaches about Canvas, Apex and video help sessions.

BSD will be promoting its first Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Week (October 12th - 16th) to spread awareness of actions that we can all take to prevent suicide and reduce the stigma related to mental health concerns. As part of this important campaign, students at FLEX Online School will receive a lesson to promote positive mental health, recognize the warning signs for suicide risk and encourage help-seeking behaviors. Parents and guardians play a critical role in preventing youth suicide. Please see the resource below to learn more information about suicide prevention and steps that you can take to protect yourself, your community, and your children.

https://afsp.org/teens-and-suicide-what-parents-should-know

Teens and suicide: What parents should know | AFSP

Suicide is in the news and in popular entertainment now more than ever, especially in regard to teens. You can play a role in building up your child’s mental health simply by becoming aware of the risk factors and warning signs that can lead to suicide, making yourself available to your child, knowing how to practice having a caring conversation, and being aware that help is always available.

Thank you for your hard work supporting students!

Paul Ottum

Principal FLEX Online School