This newsletter contains information about:

WHS College Fair

PSATs

National Suicide Prevention Month

MCAS Retests

College Rep Visits

Financial Aid Resources

Please see Principal Giacobozzi's newsletter for information about PSAT testing for 10th and 11th-grade students on October 13.

Each September, mental health organizations and providers raise awareness of suicide prevention by sharing resources and important information that could help someone in crisis. This year's campaign (#Bethe1To), sponsored by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), focuses on five action steps a person can take when communicating with someone who might be suicidal. These 5 steps include:

• Asking the question, "Are you thinking about suicide?" in a direct manner that communicates a willingness to talk openly and non-judgmentally
• Being there whether on the phone or physically in person to show your support
• Keeping them safe by determining how to ensure their immediate safety
• Helping them connect to resources for the immediate moment and longer-term
• Following up later to show continued support

In Watertown, students and families have access to support services through agencies like Wayside Youth and Family Services and Watertown's Social Services Resource Specialist. In an emergency, call 911.

At Watertown High School, the Signs of Suicide (SOS) prevention program is delivered in 9th-grade health classes. The goals of this program are to:

• Decrease suicide and suicide attempts by increasing student knowledge and adaptive attitudes about depression
• Encourage personal help-seeking and/or help-seeking on behalf of a friend
• Reduce the stigma of mental illness and acknowledge the importance of seeking help or treatment
• Engage parents and school staff as partners in prevention through “gatekeeper” education
• Encourage schools to develop community-based partnerships to support student mental health

Our school adjustment counselors, social worker, and school psychologist are prepared to support students who are concerned about a friend or who are having thoughts of suicide themselves. This typically involves working with the student, family, and local mental health agencies.

Nationally, there are a number of agencies that provide resources and support to students and families. These agencies include:

• National Suicide Hotline - 1-800-273-8255 (TALK): Whether you are in crisis, you are worried about a friend, or you want resources to talk to someone who might be in pain, you can find support and information here.

• The Trevor Project - 1-866-488-7386: The Trevor Project provides a 24/7 hotline for LGBTQ youth who are in crisis. Their website also offers a number of resources for students who may be struggling, in need of support, or looking to offer support to others.

• Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741 to communicate with a crisis counselor.

• LoveIsRespect - 1-866-331-9474: LoveisRespect is a nationwide hotline for teens to gain information, support, and resources about healthy teen relationships. Their hotline provides peer assistance for teens who may be in unhealthy or abusive relationships as well.

Any 11th-grade student who did not take the ELA and Math MCAS in the Spring or who did not pass the test will take the retest in November. Any senior interested in taking the MCAS in order to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy or the state university tuition credit (Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery and John & Abigail Adams Scholarship) must let their school counselor know by Wednesday, September 29 in order to register. For more information, please see this previous communication.

Over the next two weeks, the following schools will be hosting virtual visits for Watertown High School students. Students should register on Naviance in advance.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the application seniors and their families must complete in order to qualify for federal financial aid. The application opens on October 1, 2021. The application is free to complete. There are a number of community agencies available to help students and families complete this important application. They include:

FAFSA Day on October 13 (register in advance for this online, step-by-step presentation)

Boston Area Education and Career Planning Center (schedule a meeting with an adviser who can assist with the FAFSA application)

Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (offers live and on-demand webinars about all aspects of financial aid and financing a post-secondary education)

September 15, 2021

August 2021