Jeffco Public Schools

SOURCES OF STRENGTH

A peer led, upstream suicide prevention program

Jeffco is removing school-based implementation and financial barriers so that more schools can successfully launch and maintain Sources of Strength in their community. Sources of Strength is an evidence-based suicide prevention program led primarily by students. It exists to spread hope, help, and strength as well as increase protective factors in the lives of the peer leaders and their classmates. Some of the protective factors include help seeking behaviors, meaningful relationships with trusted adults/mentors, healthy activities, positive family support and friends, generosity, and a willingness to break codes of silence and secrecy when it comes to mental health concerns of their friends/peers.

SAFE, WELCOMING, AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS

Jeffco’s Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Team promotes a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging across the district by creating equitable access and opportunity across race, class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and language. At the school level, this could include supporting the creation of GSAs (Gender and Sexuality Alliance/Gay Straight Alliance) and staff equity committees. Additionally, this team offers all Jeffco staff ongoing trainings on topics such as equity, LGBTQ+101, Gender Inclusion, Implicit Bias, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and Responding to Slurs at School.

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

Jeffco’s offices of Student Engagement and Student Discipline support schools in implementation of Restorative Practices. Based on the core belief that "we are all connected," the broad spectrum of restorative practices support all stakeholders in a school in building healthy relationships, repairing harm when it has impacted a community, and reintegrating those who need to be welcomed back into school communities.