Safety, Wellness & Respect

Students in grades 6 through 12 receive instruction each year in two key areas:

1. Suicide & Violence Prevention

We use Erika’s Lighthouse, a state-approved, evidence-informed program focused on mental health, depression education, and suicide prevention. The goal is to ensure no student feels alone and to provide tools for emotional well-being. The program goals include:

1. 1. 1. • • Raising awareness of good mental health.

           • Raising awareness of the signs of depression and risk and warning signs of suicide.

           • Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

           • Encouraging help-seeking skills and, if necessary, additional support services.

Presentation Outline

Learn more: erikaslighthouse.org

Parent Opt-Out for Students in Grades 7-12

2. Social Inclusion

We use Start With Hello, a program developed by Sandy Hook Promise, which teaches students how to:

2. 1. 1. • • Recognize loneliness and social isolation

           • Reach out and support their peers

           • Build a more empathetic, inclusive school environment

This is done through a simple and effective 3-step framework:

2. 1. 1. • • See Someone Alone

           • Reach Out and Help

           • Start With Hello

Presentation Outline

Learn more: Start With Hello Program

Parent Opt-Out for Students in Grades 7-12

The law includes requirements for student instruction, parent and legal guardian notification and training for school personnel. Visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s website to learn about this law and its requirements.

Grades K–6: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention

Each year, students in grades K–6 receive age-appropriate instruction focused on personal safety and recognizing unsafe situations, in line with Erin’s Law.

Teaching Personal Safety in Our Schools

As part of our district’s commitment to student safety and well-being, we use evidence-based lessons to help students learn about body safety in a way that is age-appropriate and respectful.

In this lesson, students will learn:

• The difference between safe and unsafe touches (like high fives, hugs, hitting, or kicking).

• That private body parts are the parts covered by a bathing suit, and those parts are not for others to touch.

• The difference between safe secrets (like a surprise party) and unsafe secrets (like someone asking them not to tell about a touch).

• That they have the right to say NO to anything that makes them uncomfortable.

• How to recognize trusted adults—people who listen, support, and help when something doesn’t feel right.

• Students will also take part in a simple activity where they identify trusted adults in their lives.

Presentation Materials:

Grades K-2 video 1 - Protect Yourself Rules - Safe Touch / Unsafe Touch 

Grades K-2 video 2 - Protect Yourself Rules - Recognize the Signs 

Grades 3-6 Video 1 - KidSmartz - Tell a Trusted Adult

Grades 3-6 Video 2 - KidSmartz - Tell People No 

K-5 Opt Out Form - English

6th Opt Out Form - English

K-5 Opt Out Form - Español

6th Opt Out Form - Español

Grades 7–12: Dating & Sexual Violence Prevention

Older students participate in lessons to help them:

• Recognize the warning signs of dating abuse

• Understand the characteristics of healthy relationships

• Build communication and conflict-resolution skills

We use the Safe Dates curriculum by Hazelden, presented by the Child & Family Advocacy Group. This program gives teens the tools to develop respectful and safe relationships.

Safe Dates Program Outline

Learn More

Parent Opt-Out for Students in Grades 7-12