As of this morning, the following classes are tied for the Pennies 4 Patients online donations. Congrats to…
1. Mr. Barks
2. Ms. Sanders
3. Ms. O
You have until this Friday to donate online (or in your 4th period classes). Just go to the school website for the link to Pennies 4 Patients. The class with the most online donations will win a movie/pizza party during 4th period class!
Winter Concert - Admission is FREE!
Wednesday, December 19, 2018 @ 7:00pm
DOC’S CORNER
UNDERSTANDING AND PREVENTING ADOLESCENT SUICIDE: PART II. In last week’s column, I presented warning signs and risk factors related to Teen suicide. This is, obviously, a very serious topic. Today, we’ll look at some of the things parents can do to make a difference, and to minimize the risks.
1. Knowledge is the first step. Knowing warning signs and risk factors is essential. Issues of depression and anxiety need to be taken very seriously. Warning signs do not mean your child will attempt to harm themselves, but should not be ignored. Their feelings need to be taken seriously, and not dismissed as a passing thoughts or need for attention.
Homeroom reps please take your spirit count!
Homeroom take your spirit count!
Please donate to Pennies for Patients all next week, December 10th through December 14th. Locate your 4th period classroom teacher and donate to his/her classroom page. The class with the most online donations will win a movie and pizza party during their 4th period class! Click on "Pennies for Patients" above to be directed to the donation page. Thank you!
Our 10 Days of Kindness Challenge starts on December 10th and runs through December 21st. Complete the attached form by December 21st and turn it into your 4th period teacher. Students who complete the form by December 21st will receive a treat for their acts of kindness! Click on "10 Days of PVIS Kindness Challenge" above to open the form.
DOC’S CORNER
12/6/2018
UNDERSTANDING AND PREVENTING ADOLESCENT SUICIDE: PART I. Adolescent suicide has become a national health crisis. Although it is difficult to talk about, and most of us would like to act like it doesn’t exist, knowing some of the causes, risk factors, and ways to get help can save tremendous distress, and even lives. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that it is the second leading cause of death among youth, ages 15-19. In 2016, 2,061 adolescent suicide deaths were reported, accounting for 18% of all reported deaths in this age group. Males are much more likely to die by suicide, by almost three times as much as females. While females have higher incidence of suicidal ideation and behavior, males are more likely to carry out the acts. Almost 20% of teenagers have contemplated suicide in the last year. The causes and risk factors of suicidal thoughts and behaviors are a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Mental health issues are clearly related to such thoughts. 20% of youth have a significant mental health issue, including depression and bipolar disorder which are most commonly associated with suicidal threat. Other psychological disorders are also related, including anxiety, conduct disorders, substance abuse, post traumatic stress, and eating disorders. When these problems are combined with external circumstances for teens, they often feel overwhelmed. Interpersonal losses, disciplinary problems, school failures, conflicts with peers, and bullying can lead to a sense of hopelessness. Adverse Childhood Events (ACE) and significant and serious family issues, like physical and sexual abuse, are high risk factors. Children who have gender identity or sexual identity conflicts are at high risk, with LBGT adolescents having the highest rates of suicidal ideation. Suicide is a relatively rare event, and difficult to predict, but there are some warning signs. As listed by the American Psychological Association, these include::
