Safety and Wellness

Tips for Talking to Children about Violence

USD 470 Emergency Communication/Procedures

Each of our schools teaches the CharacterStrong character development curriculum. CharacterStrong is research-based curriculum intended to impact social emotional learning, character development, and school culture. Ultimately, it helps us help students become the best versions of themselves. 

CharacterStrong

If you or someone you know is affected by suicide, please call for help. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling 9-8-8.

Arkansas City High School and Arkansas City Middle School both have Hope Squads. 

Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Hope Squad members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy peers and trained by advisors. The program reduces youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. 

The Kansas Legislature has passed and the Kansas Governor has signed SB 323 which is known as the Jason Flatt Youth Suicide Awareness Act. The provisions of this bill relevant to suicide awareness and prevention are:

• The board of education of each school district shall provide suicide awareness and prevention programming to all school staff and shall notify the parents or legal guardians of students enrolled in such school district that the training materials provided under such programming are available to such parents or legal guardians.
• Such programming shall include at a minimum: At least one hour of training each calendar year based on programs approved by the State Board of Education. Such training may be satisfied through independent self-review of suicide prevention training materials, and A building crisis plan developed for each school building. Such plan shall include:
• Steps for recognizing suicide ideation; Appropriate methods of interventions; and A crisis recovery plan. On or before January 1, 2017, the State Board of Education shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

Find more suicide prevention resources below:

Hope Squad

Jason Foundation

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

USD 470 Board of Education Policy JDDC prohibits bullying in any form on school property, in a school vehicle or at a school sponsored activity or event. Students who have been subjected to bullying should immediately report bullying incidences to the appropriate authority which may include any USD 470 staff member including certified or non-certified personnel, building administration, or district administration. Once a report of bullying has been made to a USD 470 staff member, appropriate reporting and investigation will pursue. Students who have bullied others in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and expulsion. If appropriate, students who violate the bullying prohibition shall be reported to local law enforcement.

Report Bullying

Report Anonymously

For more information about our district wellness policies or our wellness committee, please get in touch with our school nurse and wellness coordinator, Lacy Colquhoun, at lacy.colquhoun@usd470.com.

Wellness Policies

Vaping Information

The Truth About Vaping

Vaping has become increasingly popular among teens, but it carries serious health risks that are often misunderstood. E-cigarettes and vape pens may seem harmless, but they contain nicotine, chemicals, and other substances that can harm developing brains and lungs.

Key Facts:

• Nicotine Addiction: Most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm brain development in young people.
• Health Risks: Vaping can cause lung damage, breathing problems, and increase the risk of long-term health issues.
• THC in Vapes: Some vapes contain THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. THC vapes are especially risky because they can lead to severe mental and physical health issues, including addiction, anxiety, and lung injuries.
• Misleading Marketing: Flavored vapes, including those with THC, are often marketed to young people, making them more appealing but no less dangerous.

How to Protect Our Youth:

• Talk to your children about the risks of vaping, including the dangers of THC vapes, and why it’s important to avoid them.
• Be aware of the signs of vaping, such as sweet-smelling vapor, increased thirst, or the presence of vape devices.
• Encourage healthy, smoke-free activities and behaviors.

Take Back Control! If you or someone you know is struggling with vaping, nicotine, or THC addiction, there are resources available to help.

• Text DITCHVAPE to 88709 for free support via text
• Text STARTMYQUIT to 36072
• Talk to your principal, counselor, or medical doctor
• Visit https://truthinitiative.org, https://ks.mylifemyquit.org, or https://smokefree.gov 

   

Opioid/Fentanyl Information

Understanding the Dangers of Opioids and Fentanyl

Opioid misuse is a serious issue that affects communities across the nation, including ours. Opioids are powerful pain relievers prescribed by doctors, but when misused, they can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death.

Fentanyl is a particularly dangerous synthetic opioid. It’s 50-100 times more potent than morphine and is often mixed with other drugs without the user's knowledge. Just a small amount can be deadly.

Key Facts:

• Addiction: Opioids, including prescription painkillers, heroin, and fentanyl, are highly addictive.
• Overdose Risk: Fentanyl is responsible for a significant increase in overdose deaths due to its potency.
• Prevention: It's crucial to educate ourselves and our children about the risks of opioids and to seek help if needed.

How to Protect Our Community:

• Talk openly with your children about the dangers of opioids and fentanyl.
• Keep prescription medications secure and properly dispose of them when no longer needed.
• Recognize the signs of misuse, such as changes in behavior, drowsiness, or confusion.
• If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid misuse, seek help immediately.

One Pill Can Kill

Any pill you get from a friend or buy off the street might contain fentanyl.

Only take medication prescribed by a doctor, bought at a pharmacy, and approved by your parents or guardians.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK SOMEONE IS OVERDOSING:

It may be hard to tell whether a person is high or experiencing an overdose. If you aren’t sure, it’s best to treat the situation like an overdose— you could save a life.

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Administer Naloxone or Narcan, if available.
3. Try to keep the person awake and breathing.
4. Lay the person on their side to prevent choking.
5. Stay with them until emergency workers arrive

See Something? Say Something!

Report Anonymously

Use Crimestoppers to anonymously report any of the following situations:

• Violence or the threat of violence

• Drug possession and sales

• Vaping and use of tobacco products

• Alcohol possession and use at school

• Bullying

• Sex Offenses to include sexting and sharing of illicit images

• Neglect or abuse

• Domestic Violence

• Arson

• Any other unresolved criminal matters 

Technology is a powerful tool for learning and connection, but it's essential to guide our kids toward using it wisely. As a parent, you can help your child develop healthy digital habits while staying safe online. Here are some tips to get started:

Use Built-in Tools
Both Apple and Google offer tools to help parents monitor device use. For Apple devices, set up Screen Time to manage app usage, block inappropriate content, and schedule downtime. Google Family Link helps you supervise Android devices by setting time limits and approving apps. Visit Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link to learn more.

Set Ground Rules
Create clear guidelines about when, where, and how devices can be used. For example, encourage “device-free” zones during meals or before bedtime to promote healthy habits.

Have Open Conversations

Talk with your child about online risks, such as cyberbullying, scams, or oversharing personal information. Empower them to ask questions and share their concerns with you.

Encourage Balance

Help your child manage screen time by promoting offline activities they enjoy, like sports, hobbies, or family outings.

Monitor Emotional Health

Excessive or harmful screen use can impact mental well-being. Watch for signs of anxiety or withdrawal. Resources like “The Anxious Generation” highlight the importance of addressing these issues early (Learn more).

By taking these steps, you’re not just protecting your child – you’re equipping them with skills to navigate technology responsibly. Together, we can create a safe and balanced digital world for our kids!

Cyber Safety Brochure