ST. PARIS – The Graham Local School District is partnering with the Sandy Hook Promise to educate students on suicide prevention, gun violence prevention and strategies to intervene with at-risk youth. Specific programs were developed following the violence at Sandy Hook Elementary on Dec. 14, 2012, claiming the lives of several innocent victims. The SHP focuses on two main programs that are implemented within the school setting.

The first program that will be implemented within the district is during National Call to Action Week, Oct. 16-20. During this week and several weeks to follow, Graham High School, Graham Middle School, and a small student population at Graham Elementary, will be trained in “Know the Signs.” This program will train students to recognize signs that could indicate that a person is heading down a pathway leading to violence and/or self-harm. By knowing the signs, people have the power to intervene and get help for that person, and prevent a tragedy that could claim the lives of innocent victims.

The second program will be introduced to students in grades 2-12 and is called “Start with Hello.” This will take place Feb. 5-9. The focus is to create a more inclusive environment that reduces the likelihood of isolation among peers. Students will learn to be more inclusive by looking out and caring for their school community.

The district will be promoting content via its social media platforms the remainder of the school year.