Hello Parents and Guardians,
During the week of April 3 through April 9, the counselors and mental health staff will be implementing the Signs of Suicide (SOS) lessons with all students in P.E. and Health classes. SOS is a school-based suicide prevention program required at all MCPS middle and high schools. Students who miss the SOS lesson are required to make it up, so we are asking you to please strongly encourage your child to attend.
Youth suicide rates have increased over the last 20 years. Suicide has become the second leading cause of death for middle and high school students after car accidents. The SOS program helps middle school students learn how to identify warning signs of suicide and depression, raises awareness about behavioral health, and encourages students to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) when worried about themselves or their peers.
Please contact the Counseling office (240-740-2760) with any questions.
SSIMS Mental Health staff contact information can be found on Slide 2.
Copyright © 2020 MindWise Innovations®, a service of Riverside Community Care.
Mental Health Staff at SSIMS
Harriet Kuhn, School Psychologist
Nazareth Aregai, ESOL Transition Counselor (ETC)
Denine Gudnitz, Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW)
El-Kahina Hunt, School Social Worker
School Counselors:
Rosemarie Dapena, Counselor
Grade 6 Last names A-F
Grade 7 Last names A-F
David Joseph, Counselor
Grade 6 Last names G-Z
Laura Manfreda, Counselor
Grade 7 Last Names G-Z
Marcia Johnson, Counselor
Grade 8 Last names A-O
Richard Solomon, Resource Counselor
Grade 7 Last names P-Z and ESOL 1 and 2
Questions?
SOS Signs of Suicide is powered by MindWise Innovations, a service of Riverside Community Care.
Click on these links for more resources:
Sample Conversation Talking Points for Parents with Teens
Washington Post Article:
Jamie Raskin’s Year of Grief and Purpose
Please explore the links below.
Contact the Counseling office with any questions. 240-740-2760
Additional Resources will be posted on the SSIMS Counseling Website!