Parents and Guardians of 7th grade students

We all share a common goal of creating a safe learning environment where suicide is prevented.  Related to that goal, House Bill 198 requires that each school system adopt a policy that addresses student suicide prevention. Gwinnett County Public Schools uses Lifelines Prevention, an evidence-based curriculum, to educate students in grades 7 and 9 on the facts about suicide and students’ role in suicide prevention.  The program curriculum is taught through health classes, which includes class discussions, student handouts, videos and corresponding activities. The program curriculum was submitted and reviewed by the Community Health Education Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Lifelines Prevention program is to provide accurate and relevant information about youth suicide, learn how to respond to suicidal friends, and where to go for help.

During the month of October, Summerour school counselors will offer lessons from the Lifelines Prevention program to students in 7^th grade. If you prefer that your child not participate in the Lifelines Prevention lessons, please write and sign a note indicating your preferences and send it to your child’s school counselor. Unless written documentation is received, your child will have the opportunity to participate in the lessons. As always, our counselors and health education teachers are available to discuss any concerns you might have.

Sincerely,       

Dr. Natalie Looney
School Principal

If you DO NOT wish for your student to participate in the lesson, please sign and return the hardcopy of this letter that we sent home by Monday, September 27, 2021.