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My name is Dr. Damien Sweeney and I'm a resource for you! I work to provide information that will guide you and your comprehensive school counseling programs. Please reach out to me when you need support at Damien.Sweeney@education.ky.gov.
Suicide Prevention
The Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, in conjunction with the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide and Maureen Underwood, national youth suicide prevention subject matter expert, has developed a new 45-minute curriculum for implementation in Kentucky schools in the fall of 2021.
Underwood also is the developer of the nationally recognized Lifelines curriculum used in some of Kentucky’s schools.
The curriculum is for 5-6, 7-8, 9, 10-11 and 12th grades (five different curricula based on developmental age levels) and takes into consideration Kentucky’s current context in regard to suicide prevention.
Students will learn how to:
- Identify expectations about the new school year;
- Recognize that returning to school requires planning;
- Acknowledge that adult help is needed in some school preparation;
- Identify at least one adult that students can go to if they are concerned about themselves or a friend; and
- Name some personal coping skills.
The curriculum meets the state legislative mandate to deliver suicide prevention information to all middle and high school students by Sept. 15 of each school year.
Kentucky schools are not mandated to use a single curriculum to meet the legislative mandate, however it is recommended that the materials used be evidence-based or evidence-informed to ensure the safety of students and staff during the delivery.
In addition to the new curriculum, the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) also has free subscriptions for the Lifelines Trilogy (includes Prevention, Intervention and Postvention components) for schools across Kentucky.
This revised guidance document – "Kentucky Division of Behavioral Health Recommended Suicide Prevention Staff/Student Training Components" – supports schools in meeting the requirements of the state mandate.
Visit this collection from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services for handouts, sample parent videos and letters and video presentations regarding the curricula.
If you have questions about either the new curriculum, the Lifelines Trilogy subscriptions or the guidance document, email Patti Clark.
KCTCS Dual Credit Students
Here are some helpful tips you can pass along to Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) dual credit students to help them get off to a good start this fall semester:
- One of the first things a student should do after being accepted into a dual credit course is to set up their student account. The KCTCS Student Account Guide provides step by-step instructions.
- Get in the habit of checking their KCTCS email regularly. This is the email the college uses to communicate with students, so checking it often keeps them from missing out on anything important.
- For students taking courses on a KCTCS campus and/or online, classes start the week of Aug. 16. Students are expected to attend on day one, even if their high school classes start later than that. For classes taught on the college campus and/or virtually, make sure students are aware of the add/drop dates for the academic calendar, which is listed on the college website.
- Additional student resources are available on the KCTCS Student Resources webpage .
KDE Release Dual Credit Tracking Report
The Kentucky Department of Education has created a Dual Credit Tracking Report in an effort to help students, families and educators keep track of dual credit courses taken in the past, along with active dual credit courses. Check out the Quick Reference Card.
 KDE Releases Guidance Video on High School Graduation Tracking Report
The Kentucky Department of Education has created a guidance video on the High School Graduation Tracking Report. You can view the slide deck used for this training video and the Quick Reference Card on the graduation tracking report.
 Regional Mental Health Summit Put On by Marion County Public Schools
On behalf of Marion County Public Schools (MCPS), you are invited to attend the first-ever MCPS Regional Mental Health Summit on Sept. 11, where we will “Shine a Light on Mental Health!” There will be sessions for educators, employers, employees, first responders and parents. Please see detailed information below and go to our MCPS Mental Health Summit Website to register.
Register by Aug.15 and receive registration, a t-shirt, continental breakfast, kickoff session with Taylora Schlosser, keynote luncheon with Jason Gibson and multiple breakout sessions for only $20!
In honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, all first responders will receive free registration.
 Bus to Business® is a statewide initiative focused on connecting students with employers and bringing classrooms to careers. The goal of the program is to show students what career pathways are in their own communities.
Through this program, students are given the opportunity to tour businesses, complete hands-on work-based learning activities, and speak directly with employers and industry leaders about career pathways available in their organizations. Students learn about what careers are in demand in Kentucky and what it takes to attain them.
To learn more, visit the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's Bus To Business® webpage.
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