SOS: Signs of Suicide Program

Fairfield Middle School

September 8, 2025

September is national suicide prevention month, and the FMS school counseling department will be using a program called SOS Signs of Suicide to discuss this topic with students. The program teaches students about this difficult topic and encourages them to seek help. SOS has been used by thousands of schools over the past few decades. Studies have shown that it effectively teaches students about depression and suicide while reducing the number of students’ self-reported suicide attempts.  

 Through the program, students learn: 

  • that depression is treatable, so they are encouraged to seek help  

  • how to identify depression and potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend 

  • to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell a trusted adult) if concerned about themselves or a friend 

  • who they can turn to at school for help if they need it  

Students will watch age-appropriate video clips and participate in a guided discussion about depression, suicide, and what to do if they are concerned about a friend. Following the video, students will complete a response slip which asks whether they would like to talk to an adult about any concerns. School staff will conduct brief meetings with any student asking to talk. Lessons will be conducted through 8th grade health/PE classes beginning on Monday Sept 29-Tuesday Oct 7.  Take a moment to visit www.sossignsofsuicide.org/parent for information on warning signs for youth suicide, useful resources, and some of the key messages students will learn. 

 We are including:  

 If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s participation in this program, please contact me our Director of School Counseling, Mrs. Morgan, at ttmorgan@henrico.k12.va.us, or, any of our school counselors. If you do NOT give permission for your child to participate, please return one of these forms to school counseling:

English Opt-Out Letter       Spanish Opt-Out Letter        Arabic Opt-Out Letter