September, 2015
Issue No. 2
Burlington Township Schools
Community Resource
In This Issue
QUICK LINKS:
If you need help or if you know someone who needs help, use these resources.

Our goal is to continue to provide parents with resources to help them during this difficult time and beyond.  Raising children in today's society is difficult.  It is important that we all work together as a village to help our children. Today's newsletter will highlight various programs that we have offered during 2015 and highlight some upcoming events and other resources.  Please share these resources with others you know who may benefit from the information in this resource newsletter.

Remember you are not alone! It takes a village.

Liz
Worried about Suicide? Learn the
FACTS!

Are you concerned that someone you know may be at risk for suicide? Your first step in helping may be as simple as learning the FACTS or warning signs. The following signs may mean that a youth is at risk for suicide, particularly if that person attempted suicide in the past.

Feelings    -Expressing hopelessness about the future

Actions     -Displaying severe/overwhelming pain or distress

Changes   -Showing worrisome behavioral cues or marked
                     changes in behavior; including: withdrawal from
                     friends or changes in social activities; anger or
                     hostility; or changes in sleep

Threats    -Talking about, writing about, or making plans for
                     suicide

Situations -Experiencing stressful situations including those that
                    involve loss, change, create personal humiliation, or
                    involve getting into trouble at home, in school or with
                    the law.  These kinds of situations can serve as triggers
                    for suicide.


If you notice any of these warning signs, you can help! 

1. Express your concern about what you are observing in their behavior
2. Ask directly about suicide 
3. Encourage them to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
4. Involve an adult they trust Remember, if you have
IMMEDIATE concern about someone's safety,
call 911 right away!

-Provided by the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide
What Are We Doing?

Helping Hand It is very natural for people to ask what is being done to help our students.  The Burlington Township School District continues to be dedicated to doing all that we can to support our students and our community. The following program have been and will be offered during 2015:

You Can Not Be Replaced Program MS/HS - February 28
The YCNBR presentation was a relationship based program and community strengthening opportunity. The program focused on these are the foundations because young people are more likely to reach out when they need help or notice when someone seems lost and struggling. 

Reggie Dabbs Student Assembly MS/HS and Parent Evening Event - February 19 (Reggie Dabbs will be returning on December 9)  Reggie Dabbs is a motivational speaker who touched the hearts of our students, staff, and community, through song and encouraging words of support.

Lee Rubin - Student Presentations throughout the school year for athletes and student leaders. Lee Rubin served as the keynote speaker for opening day.  He has been and will continue to work with our student athletes and to encourage them to stay focused, make goals, and to overcome adversity by learning how to grow through the trials of life.
  
Community Evening Support Sessions (District) - Jan 5th & 6th  - The district utilized the resources of our county services and faith based organizations to provide counseling and support for all members of our community.

Community Counseling and Support Sessions in August on behalf of the BT Recreation Department.  

Counseling Sessions with Dr. Vecere throughout July - Dr. Vecere, our district's Student Assistance, holds MS, MSW, MEd, and Ph.D. degrees and has over two decades of experience working with families, children, adolescents and couples.  All counseling is strictly confidential and will not be shared with district personnel.  Dr. Vecere is a valuable resource in our District and is always available. 

Legacy Treatment Services - We have partnered with Legacy to actually have on site support for students.  This service began in June at BTHS.  Our services span 13 counties throughout New Jersey and include a full continuum of mental health and developmental services for all ages. These include prevention programs, outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, substance abuse services, residential programs, crisis intervention, therapeutic foster care, juvenile detention alternatives, case management, developmental disability services, and a special education school. Legacy Treatment Services looks forward to partnering with you in overcoming the challenges you face and working toward a life of wellness and recovery. Click this link to learn more about Legacy.



Raising Children During ChallengingTimes
October 6, 2015
Burlington Township School District's Family Learning Series is teaming up with our community partners and The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide to provide a special evening for parents.  This night is too important to ignore.  We will provide babysitting services to our families as well for this night.  Please mark your calendars:

October 6, 2015
 6:30 P.M.
Performing Arts Center

We are committed to working together as a community to prevent suicide.  Come out and hear Maureen Underwood a nationally recognized expert on youth suicide prevention, with focus on schools and best-practice programs that enhance overall student outcomes.
Knowledge is power! Come out and learn all that you can so we can battle against suicide.  It has happened too many times in our community.  It's time for us to come together to address the issue. 
It takes a village.  Don't miss this!

Seth Franco 
October 12, 2015
We are pleased to announce that Seth Franco, one of today's premier youth speakers , and former Harlem Globetrotter, will be coming to Burlington Township High School and Middle School in October.  Seth will be bringing a message of hope, and urging students to bounce back and live big.  


Traumatic Loss Coalition

TLC is one of our partners and they asked that we share the following resources with our entire community.  Suicide is the 13th leading cause of death overall in New Jersey.  It is the 3rd leading cause of death for people ages 15-34 in our state.  On average, one person dies by suicide every 12 hours in New Jersey.  An estimated 4.8 million Americans are survivors of suicide by a friend, family member, or loved one.

Please join the Traumatic Loss Coalition in supporting suicide prevention.  Together the number of lives who have been tragically touched by suicide can be reduced.
Below please find resources that may be helpful to you or someone you know.  We encourage you to share these with friends and colleagues.


Reggie Dabbs is Coming Back to BT
December 9 @ 7:00 
You asked and we responded.  BT was amazed earlier this year when Reggie Dabbs visited our schools.  He has an amazing message and has unbelievable talents.  Be sure to mark your calendars and come out.  If you missed him before, now is your chance.  

You will not be disappointed.