Still dealing with the repercussions of tragedies that struck Sandpoint High, the counseling department and administration teamed up to figure out how to generate a positive climate throughout the school. The answer they found was Sources of Strength (SOS).

SOS is a international suicide prevention program for middle schools, high schools, and colleges that is used across the country.

The incorporation of SOS into SHS will be done through the mentoring class. The mentors as well as teachers will be trained by SOS representatives in a variety of workshops that are dedicated to creating a positive environment.

The counseling department, administration, and teaching staff are currently collaborating to find the best time to integrate SOS activities into the school day. The current plan is to form groups of students from each grade level that meet for said SOS activities.

“We want to create a culture where people look forward to being here, and they don’t feel alone,” teacher Erin Roos said.

Within each group a mentor will lead the class in a variety of activities from icebreakers to team-building, all with an underlying message. The incorporation of each grade level allows upperclassmen to pass down the tricks and tips they’ve learned, as well as become a friend and role model for underclassmen.

“We’ve never had anything to pull us together. It’s one of the things we’ve been missing. This program reaches all students, where as our mentor program has just been for freshman,” counselor Cindy Albertson said.

The routine meetings will help create bonds and friendships between all social groups and class levels.

“So hopefully they’re creating relationships with people they may not normally. Doing so makes the school culture more accepting and welcoming,” Roos said.

SOS plans on doing three campaigns this semester to start spreading positivity and connection. One of the campaigns, the morning campaign, welcomes students to school by getting the door for them and telling them a positive message.

Sources of Strength was founded in 1998 by Mark LoMurray in North Dakota. It began by partnering with local schools and after positive findings began expanding to other states.

Sources of Strength has conducted research projects which show results that demonstrated “that adult supported Peer Leaders could have a significant impact across an entire student population; increasing positive perceptions of adult support for suicidal youth and the acceptability of seeking help” according to their website, sourcesofstrength.org.

The incorporation of SOS into the school will help create meaningful relationships between all ages, genders, and social groups throughout the high school.

“This is all based on positivity,” Albertson said.