A very important aspect of Student Academic success is the
school atmosphere. Is the school welcoming and viewed as a safe space? Do
students want to come to school? These are questions that I pondered when I
arrived at Cesar Chavez Learning Academies.
In honor of Suicide Prevention Week (September 15th - 19th)
the other VISTA members and I decided to launch a school-wide awareness event.
We talked with teachers, students, and advertised through announcements and
posters. During lunch we set up a resource table for students to receive
information on suicide prevention. Students that visited the table also had the
opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance to win a Target gift card. We also
allowed students to write suggestions for programs / issues at CCLA. We played
empowering ‘hip’ music and gave away candy.
This event was a great way for us to introduce ourselves to
CCLA students and to get a good idea of the wants and needs they have. As a
result of this event a teacher asked us to collaborate with her to create a
lesson plan on Suicide Prevention. This lesson plan was to a success and yet
another teacher reached out to us to join their class to speak about the
importance of school involvement and resources we provide for the students.
I love how one event has really opened the door for us to get
to know teachers and students. I look forward to more fun lunch events to
interact with students and staff.
-Brittany Patterson, Youth Policy Institute
