For FCSD Parents » SAVE Students Act (Safety and Violence Education)

SAVE Students Act (Safety and Violence Education)

Ohio's 133rd General Assembly enacted House Bill 123, the "Safety and Violence Education (SAVE) Students Act," regarding school security and youth suicide awareness education and training for grades 6-12. 

The state legislation calls for a comprehensive approach to school safety involving the Ohio departments of Education, Public Safety, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the Attorney General’s Office. Learn more about this law and its requirements by visiting the Ohio Department of Education's website.

 

The law requires school districts to provide instruction or training for one (1) hour on each of the following topics: 

  • Social Isolation using an evidence-based program for every student in grades 6-12 every year;
  • Safety Training and Violence Prevention using an evidence-based program for every student in grades 6-12 every year; and 
  • Suicide Awareness and Prevention using an evidence-based program for every student in grades 6-12 every year.
 
The law stipulates that we must use a program that is approved by the departments of Education, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Public Safety.
 
The instruction for students on suicide prevention and violence prevention must include the following:
  1. How to instruct students to identify the signs and symptoms of depression, suicide and self-harm in their peers;
  2. How to teach students about mental health and depression, warning signs of suicide and the importance of and processes for seeking help on behalf of self and peers and reporting of these behaviors;
  3. How to identify observable warning signs and signals of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others;
  4. The importance of taking threats seriously and seeking help; and
  5. How students can report dangerous, violent, threatening, harmful or potentially harmful activity, including the use of the district's chosen anonymous reporting program.

The social inclusion instruction must include the following:

  1. What social isolation is and how to identify it in others;
  2. What social inclusion is and the importance of establishing connections with peers;
  3. When and how to seek help for peers who may be socially isolated; and
  4. How to utilize strategies for more social inclusion in classrooms and the school.
 
Sandy Hook Promise logo
Sandy Hook Promise Say Something program logo
 
 
 
 
Fairfield City Schools selected the Sandy Hook Promise Say Something program to meet the requirements of the law related to suicide prevention and violence prevention.
 
 
Sandy Hook Promise Start with Hello logo
 
For social inclusion, Fairfield City Schools selected the Sandy Hook Promise Start with Hello program.
 
 
Option to Opt Out
Upon written request, a parent/guardian can opt their student out of the instruction. Requests should be submitted to your child's building principal.