At Licking Heights Local Schools, the safety, wellness, and belonging of every student remain a top priority. In alignment with Ohio's Safety and Violence Education (SAVE) Students Act, students receive annual evidence-based instruction designed to promote mental wellness, prevent violence, strengthen social connections, and encourage help-seeking behaviors. Ohio law requires schools serving grades 6-12 to provide instruction in suicide awareness and prevention, violence prevention, and social inclusion using approved evidence-based programs. Parents and guardians may request that their child be excused from participation in these lessons.

For more information about Ohio's SAVE Students Act requirements, visit the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce website HERE.

Erika's Lighthouse: A Beacon of Hope for Adolescent Depression is a nationally recognized, evidence-informed program that introduces students to mental health awareness in an age-appropriate manner. Through engaging videos, classroom discussions, and interactive activities, students learn:

—The importance of positive mental health

—Signs and symptoms of depression

—Healthy coping strategies

—How to seek help for themselves or a friend

—Ways to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health concerns

The program emphasizes that mental health challenges are common, treatable, and deserving of support. Its goal is to help students recognize when someone may need help and encourage early intervention.

Licking Heights utilizes Sandy Hook Promise programming to support violence prevention, social inclusion, and student safety. These evidence-based lessons help students recognize warning signs, support peers, and create a culture of belonging.

—Recognizing signs that a peer may be struggling

—Understanding the impact of social isolation

—Building empathy and inclusion

—Reporting safety concerns to trusted adults

—Preventing violence through early intervention

—Becoming an "upstander" rather than a bystander

Students participate in age-appropriate lessons, videos, and guided discussions that empower them to speak up when they see warning signs and to help create a safer, more connected school environment.

Signs of Suicide (SOS) is one of the nation's leading evidence-based youth suicide prevention programs. The curriculum teaches students to recognize the signs of depression and suicide in themselves and others while reinforcing the importance of seeking help from trusted adults.

—Warning signs of depression and suicide

—How mental health affects overall well-being

—Strategies for supporting friends who may be struggling

—How and when to seek help

—The SOS "ACT" approach: Acknowledge signs of concern; Care by showing support; Tell a trusted adult

Research has demonstrated that SOS can reduce self-reported suicide attempts while increasing help-seeking behaviors among adolescents. The program encourages open conversations about mental health and connects students with available support resources.

Licking Heights values family partnership and transparency. Parents and guardians may review instructional materials used in any of the SAVE Students Act programs by contacting their child's school counselor, building principal, or the Licking Heights Pupil Services Department.

In accordance with Ohio law, parents or guardians may submit a written request to excuse their child from participation in SAVE Students Act instruction.

Questions regarding student wellness, mental health resources, SAVE Students Act programming, or requests to review curriculum materials may be directed to: