September is National Suicide Prevention Month and September 10^th-16^th is National Suicide Prevention Week. GA House Bill 198 requires each local school system to adopt a policy on student suicide prevention. APS has secured Signs of Suicide (SOS) licenses for all traditional/non-traditional middle and high schools to meet this requirement. SOS has been used by thousands of schools for over 20 years. The program is an evidence-based youth suicide prevention program that teaches middle and high school students about this difficult topic, encourages them to seek help, and empowers scholars to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell). Toward the end of September, all 10th-grade students will participate in the SOS program unless their parent(s) opt out by September 15^th. Parents who choose to opt out must provide in writing their decision to opt out. Below are the three ways that parents may select to opt out:

1. Parents may complete, sign, and return the portion located on the letter you receive from the school by September 15, 2023. The letter is attached to this message and your 10^th grade student will also receive a copy tomorrow.

2. Parents may contact the school and ask that they email the letter, complete it, sign it, and email it back to the school by September 15, 2023.

3. Parents may stop by the school and ask for a copy of the letter to complete, sign, and return while on campus by September 15, 2023.

Signs of Suicide Opt Out Form