During a recent lunchtime activity, Albert G. Prodell Middle School eighth grade students pledged to be “Lifesavers” by being more aware of suicidal tendencies in their peers and families. As part of the school’s S.O.S. Suicide Prevention Program, school psychologist Doreen Armstrong pushed into classrooms for two days to present information about signs and the reasons behind suicide, available resources and the importance of becoming a life saver for anyone they believe is capable of taking their own life. 

As a culminating activity, students had an opportunity to take their photos and to sign a pledge on a “Pledge to be a “Lifesaver” poster and to further converse with Ms. Armstrong about what they had learned. There was also a raffle of a jar of Lifesavers where students had to guess the amount in the jar. Students grabbed a pen or a bracelet with a reminder of this important task to care for peers and family members who are feeling stressed or depressed.