Newly Released Netflix Series, “13 Reasons Why,” an Alarming Portrayal of Youth Suicide
Recent release of a new Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why, has amplified discussion about suicide among young people and others in secondary schools.  Although the series is a fictional story based on a novel of the same title, it is an alarming and graphic portrayal of a young student who kills herself.  This show is rated “MA” for mature audiences.  However, we are finding that many students are still accessing this content that was intended for adults. 
 
Parents, if your child has watched the series, please take the opportunity to talk with her/him about suicide.  You will find a useful handout 13 Reasons Why Talking Points attached to this email. 
 
If you need more general talking points for talking with your child about suicide refer to the following link http://www.sptsusa.org/parents/talking-to-your-kid-about-suicide/.
 
Olympus High School will host “Talk Saves Lives” A Brief Introduction to Suicide Prevention on May 3, 2017 at 7:00 pm.  Please see attached flyer for more information. 
 
Finally, please know that suicide is a preventable mental health problem.  It is not a common response to life’s challenges and adversity.  You do need to know the warning signs and be aware of risk factors that lead to depression and suicidal thoughts as explained in our Granite School District suicide information handout (attached). There are professionals, services, supports and resources for struggling students and their family members in our community and in Granite School District schools.  Please reach out to your school counselor or school social worker who is a trustworthy source for help and support.
 
Community Mental Health Resources:
 
UNI/Salt Lake County Crisis Line and
Mobile Crisis Outreach Team
801-587-3000
(Available 24/7)
 
Youth Services
385-468-4470
(Available 24/7)
 
Valley Behavioral Health
(1)-888-949-4864
(Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
 
Family Counseling Center
801-261-3500
(9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
 
Utah Community Resource Line

Did you know you can see your student's grades, attendance, and other important information on the PARENT PORTAL? Quick access to the portal is available by clicking the teal colored button to the right of this page. Additionally, instructions on how to set up Parent Portal are available in both English and Spanish by clicking below.
Parent Portal (English)
Parent Portal (Spanish)

Additional parent information can be accessed here:
http://www.graniteschools.org/teachinglearning/parent-information/

The purpose of the National Scholarship Funds is to assist Tongan-American students in completing their higher education. National Tongan American Scholarships (NTAS) are available on a competitive basis to undergraduate and graduate students of Tongan background, and must be a Utah resident. Awards normally range from $100 to $500.
Open the PDF below for more information and to apply.

If you received a Keys to Success recognition this year you may qualify for a scholarship. There are five separate scholarships offered: 

                Utah Valley University $1000
                Paul Mitchell the School $1000
                Trey Seyes (STEM award) $1000
                PermaPlate/U of U $1000
                Southern Utah University $1000
 
The deadline for applications is Monday, April 24th. For more information visit:
https://ktsutah.com/Scholarship/Available?sid=10 

As we approach the end of the school year, here are a few important dates to be aware of:

4/21: AP Test payment due. 
4/28: Online coursework through Granite Connections must be completed. 
5/01: Last day to pick up packets for Credit Recovery.
5/12: Online proctored finals through Granite Connections must be completed. 
5/12: Last day to turn in Credit Recovery packets. 
5/18: Testing for Credit Recovery must be finished by 3pm. 
5/26: Last day of school. 
5/26: Deadline to enroll for Summer online classes.
6/02: Tuition due for Summer online classes. 

Students looking to improve their CPA (citizenship) may receive two 4's for each Saturday attended. Students MUST pay Julie the bookkeeper $5 and take their receipt to Ms. Kartchner in room 321 BEFORE the upcoming Saturday they wish to attend. Dates for Saturday School are 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, and 5/20. Students must bring something to work on (homework, packets, school assignments, etc.), and stay the entire 8am-12pm block. 

Code To Success is offering free summer coding camps for Juniors and Seniors. The program will run from June 12 - August 15, Monday through Thursday from 8am-12pm. Students will get to know basic coding languages, HTML, CSS, and Javascript. All materials are provided, no experience is needed, and it is completely free! Find more information, and apply right away at:
ctsutah.com/

12th Graders-

• $1,500 for outstanding achievement (Science/Mathematics category)
• $1,000 for excellent achievement (Science/Mathematics category)
• $500 for merit achievement (General category)

Academic achievement: overall minimum GPA of 3.6 for Science/Mathematics category; GPA in math and science courses should exceed 3.6 average. 

For more information, download the application below: ​

Student Survey: 

http://www.ctesurveys.com/CTESurvey?PointerId=491&SchoolId=123

There will be a field trip to the University of Utah on the 10th of April. Grades 10-12 are welcome to attend this guided tour led by the University's Presidential Ambassadors. Times are from 8:30am - 1:30pm, and bus and lunch will be provided. Permission slips and sign-up sheets are available in the Career Center Rm 103. Go Utes!!

Still deciding if you want to be an Aggie? Be an Aggie for a day. Spend the day at USU- meet new friends, get to know professors, meet with faculty and students in your major, and enjoy famous Aggie ice cream. Register by May 16, or until full. 
usu.edu/admissions/aday

​Seniors, you can apply to be recognized as a Utah Scholar and receive a certificate and medallion for graduation.  Application deadline is March 31st. ​More information can be found here:
https://stepuputah.com/students/utah-scholars-recognition-application/

​Salt Lake Community College will be hosting DIGIFORGE (Careers in Technology) on March 14th at the South City Campus, 1st, 2nd & 3rd periods.  If you know of any students that are interested in this field and would like to attend, please send them down to the Career Center (room 103) to register. If we have enough students attending, a bus will be provided.  Registration closes on March 3rd. Applications below. 
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