Safe Schools Month - October 2023
The month of October is Safe Schools Month. Littleton Public Schools uses this month to raise awareness about how we as a community can work to promote the well-being and academic success of our students by fostering a culture of safety and belonging. The following events, activities, and resources are accessible to anyone in our community. Thank you in advance for helping to make our community stronger and more safe. 

EVENTS/IMPORTANT DATES:

Screenagers Under the Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age​ - It has never been a more difficult time to be a teenager, and therefore, it has never been a more difficult time to parent a teenager. The third feature documentary in the Screenagers trilogy delves into how the tech revolution has reshaped adolescence and its effects on substance use. The film debunks myths and depicts strategies parents and schools can use to encourage healthy decision-making, support teen mental health, set limits, and create healthy home environments. This documentary is a must-see for any parent of an adolescent whether they are concerned about their child using substances or not.

October 3, 2023 -- 6:30-8:30 p.m. -- at the Arapahoe High School Forum -- Register for the event. For students 5th grade and older. Spanish interpretation will be provided for this event.

Cyber Savvy Parenting. - This evening workshop is designed for those who are are wrestling with the decision of when to purchase a cell phone for their child. How to manage and understand the ways kids use their phones, and how to keep them safe in this digital world. Understanding how to use parental control features and setting guidelines for device usage, and fostering open communication about usage that encourages trust and responsible behavior. October 10, 2023 -- 6:30 - 8:30 pm -- at the EPIC Campus (East Building) Register for the event (coming soon).

Living Works START
Online Suicide Prevention Training
The START training, offered by Living Works, is an online training where participants learn a powerful four-step model to keep someone safe from suicide. It even has built-in opportunities to practice using impactful situations. The program is being offered for free through LPS for the month of October. Register to receive your online access code by email. Please allow for 90 minutes to complete the training. You can take the training at your own pace. Participants must be 13 years old and up. 

LPS Poetry Slam Competition
All LPS high school students are invited to participate in our 13th Annual district-wide Poetry Slam event focused on healthy self-expression. The Poetry Slam Competition will be held at Options High School on November 7th, 2023 at 6:30 pm. Interested students should contact their English Department for more information.

First Aid/CPR/AED Training
Sponsored by the LPS Security Department, these trainings are open to all LPS parents, community members, and youth above the age of 11. The two-year certification cost is $44. Participants must make payment arrangements prior to attending the course. Various dates are available. To get more information and enroll in a course, email Leah Raymond at lraymond[at]lps.k12.co[dot]us. The classes are held in the evenings, and multiple sessions are offered throughout the year.

IMMUNIZATION COMPLIANCE
For our students’ health and safety and as required by the state of Colorado and LPS board policy, we are required to have a current immunization record or exemption on file for all students.  

Compliance with the immunization expectations is required for enrollment and attendance in LPS schools unless the student has a valid exemption for medical or non-medical reasons.

Per state law and LPS board policy, students who remain non-compliant with their immunizations will be excluded from school. Beginning November 3, 2023.

LINKS/RESOURCES:

How to Report Concerns
Find out how to utilize Safe2Tell, the Colorado Crisis Line, and LPS Safety and Security to help people you are worried about.

LPS Website - Tough Topics
The past year has provided a lot of opportunities to discuss tough topics with our families, and sometimes we need help with ideas on how to have these complex conversations. Find resources to help discussions with your children about COVID, social justice issues, traumatic events, and anxiety.

Forward Together
A website for parents and youth with resources to help you build and strengthen your relationship with the young people in your life through their growing and developing years. 

LPS Website - Family Resources
Find resources for child care, clothing, food assistance, grief & tragedy, housing, insurance, mental health, and transportation.

Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media helps families make smart choices about media (television and movies) and technology. LPS has also curated resources for parents on the district website.

One Mind Cyber Guide
One Mind Cyber Guide reviews apps and digital resources that can be used for mental health and wellness. All resources are vetted based on their credibility, user experience, transparency, and professional reviews.

Parent and Teen Resources from the National Institute on Drug Abuse
A website where you can get information to help you talk with teens about drugs and their effects, and learn where to go get help.