Safe Schools Week: Community Resources & Mental Health

We know that students need to feel safe and supported in order to be ready to learn. We also know that the idea of safety goes beyond the physical spaces of the building. Students need to feel emotionally safe and that they belong in order to fully engage in their learning as well. As a District we have focused a lot of attention on the social emotional well-being of our students, especially over the last few years. We have invested in social-emotional curriculum, executive functioning lessons and programs as well as Sources of Strength. Sources of Strength is a youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse. Our buildings also have calming and quiet spaces for students to utilize whenever they need it.

In the Berkley School District, we strive for our students to feel supported at all times, however, during a time of crisis, students might need extra support. Our school counselors, social workers and school psychologists are always available to help any student in crisis. Students also have options for help if they prefer anonymous support.

Please encourage your children to always talk to a trusted adult when something doesn't seem right or if they have any concerns about their safety or the safety of others. 

Be sure to call 911 if you or the person you are helping is in immediate danger. If there is no immediate danger, there are many additional hotlines for 24-hour crisis support: 

• 24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (TALK) or text “TALK” to 741741
• 24-hour 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Michigan: Dial 988
• 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
• 24-hour Michigan Mental Health Hotline: 1-888-535-6136
• 24-hour New Oakland Family Centers Crisis Line: 877-800-1650
• 24-hour Oakland Community Health Network & Common Ground Emergency Assessment & Eligibility Helpline: 800-231-1127

And, if they’d rather stay anonymous, please encourage your child to report to OK2SAY. OK2SAY is a state-wide tip line and encourages confidential tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees or schools. Their phone number is 855-565-2729 (8-555-OK2SAY). Their text number is 652729 (OK2SAY) and or email OK2SAY.

In addition to the mental health component of student and school safety, it is also important for the community to participate in safe practices. Keeping students and staff safe from the threat of gun violence should be the responsibility of all members of our school community, including safe firearm storage practices. Below are some resources and information for the community regarding gun safety.

• State of Michigan’s Firearm Safety website with resources for the newest state laws, gun locks and home firearm safety.
• Berkley Public Safety has gun locks available for free for the community.
• The Berkley Schools Board of Education is committed to creating a safe school environment including prohibiting weapons on school property and at school-sponsored events as noted in Board Policy 8400.

Together, along with these resources, we can support our students all hours of the day.

Thank you to everyone for connecting with our daily Safe Schools Week messages and for trusting us with your children each and every day.