October is Colorado Safe Schools Month - an annual opportunity to remind students, staff and community members of the importance of school safety. Littleton Public Schools will observe Safe Schools Month by sponsoring building-level and district-wide activities to promote safe schools. The LPS Board of Education will formally recognize this designation at their meeting on October 12, 2017.

As part of observing Colorado Safe Schools Month, LPS will highlight district efforts to prevent crime and violence, bullying, aggression, substance abuse, suicide concerns, gang activity, vandalism and absenteeism. Safe schools posters are displayed in every school in an effort to remind students and staff of how they can report safety concerns, and that there are supportive adults throughout our schools to help.

Among activities held throughout the district for Safe Schools Month, LPS hosted a special parent-event about youth suicide and mental health on October 10th. Sponsored by LPS in partnership with a variety of local health organizations and faith communities, “A Community Conversation about Suicide” covered important topics including: how to talking to kids about suicide, understanding depression, prevention programs, community resources, training opportunities and counseling resources. Concurrent suicide prevention training was also available for students ages 15 and older.  

Offline October, a campaign created by LPS students, is also taking place during Colorado Safe Schools Month. Offline October encourages people to give up social media for the month to support teen suicide prevention and to promote healthy in-person relationships. “The challenge is meant for people to realize the importance of human relationships and the happiness that can come from direct human interaction,” says the campaign website. Additional information can be found at: www.offlineoctober.com.

LPS Board members Jack Reutzel, Robert Reichardt, Jim Stephens and Kelly Perez, along with Superintendent Brian Ewert, recognized the student-founders of Offline October at the October 12th Board meeting. 

Safe schools contribute to the academic achievement of students and LPS strives to make all of its schools positive and caring places. The district asks the entire community to support efforts to make schools safe for every student.