At Mountain Valley School, creating a positive culture and climate is at the forefront of our work. This year, staff members have been focusing on self-care while building positive relationships with each other as well as every student at our school. The adults in the building set the culture of a school, and I couldn’t be more proud of Mountain Valley staff. They are kind, caring, and compassionate while holding each other accountable for doing what is best for kids.
In today’s society, public displays of hate are on the rise. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that students learn the expectations of positive behavior as they become productive citizens of our community. Students, educators, and family members all have a role to play in combating bias, bullying and the escalation of hate. Through cooperation and education, we can make our world a better place.
I am pleased to announce that Mountain Valley School has been officially designated a No Place for Hate school. No Place for Hate is a school climate initiative designed to combat bias, bullying, and hatred, leading to the creation and maintenance of positive school culture. Mountain Valley received its No Place for Hate designation by working hard towards building inclusive and safe communities where all students can thrive.
With respect as a goal, we strive to empower students, staff, administration, families, and community members to take a stand against hate and bullying. Mountain Valley is sending a clear, unified message that all students have a place to belong.
Our school counselor Lisa Powers is taking it one step further by training Mountain Valley staff and community in QPR. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer-the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.
Last week was a proud moment as I watched over 40 community members attend Lisa’s training and learn how to save a life through the key components of QPR, which include:
How to question, persuade and refer someone who may be suicidal
How to get help for yourself or others
The common causes of suicidal behavior
The warning signs of suicide
How to get help for someone in crisis
Training our staff and community in QPR is urgent and important work. According to the Colorado Health Institute, Colorado suffered 1,175 deaths in 2017 due to suicide. This is the highest number in the state’s history, and suicide continues to increase at alarming rates. In 2017, Colorado lost 20.2 people per 100,000 residents to suicide, which is up from 14.1 per 100,000 in 2000. While suicide is the nation’s 10th leading cause of death, suicide ranks even higher at seventh in Colorado.
If you are interested in learning more about Mountain Valley School’s QPR training and how you can help save a life, please contact Lisa Powers at [email protected] or 719-655-2578. Together, we can make a difference.