Suffolk Public Schools

The month of September is Suicide Prevention Month and September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. During Suicide Prevention Month, Suffolk Public Schools takes this opportunity to highlight the significance of suicide and the importance of reducing the stigma of reaching out for help, knowing how to talk to others about suicidal thoughts, and understanding what resources are available for those in need. Please find links to helpful resources below:

• What to do if You're Worried About Suicide: A Parent's Guide to Helping A Child in Distress
• Suicide Prevention Brochure for Parents
• What Parents Need to Know about Suicide Prevention (free virtual course)

Suffolk Public Schools will be taking an eSchool update overnight from Wednesday, September 11th to Thursday, September 12th. The process will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday through 8:00 a.m. on Thursday. During this time eSchool, the Teacher Access Center, and the Home Access Center will be offline.

September 8th is National Grandparents' Day! Suffolk Public Schools will celebrate Grandparents' Week September 9-13th. If you are a grandparent and you would like to have lunch your grandchild during Grandparents' Week, please contact the student's school for additional details and information.

Nominations are now being accepted for Suffolk Public Schools employees to be recognized for the school division's "STAR Achiever" honor. Recipients will be selected from YOUR nominees, who, through actions big or small, have made a positive impact on you or your school community. Nominations for the first quarter will be accepted NOW through October 14, 2024. To submit a nominee, please use the link provided: https://forms.gle/1TTtvF8hJWwGiukZA

Nominations are welcomed by students, staff, parents and community members. Selected employees will be highlighted on our SPS social media platforms and on our division's website. Each individual will also receive a special gift for being selected as a 2024-2025 STAR Achiever!

At the school board meeting on June 13, 2024, the Suffolk School Board carried a motion 7 to 0 to approve resolution 23/24-34: A Resolution of the School Board for the City of Suffolk, Virginia Promoting the Secure Storage of Firearms to Protect the Health and Safety of Children Enrolled in Suffolk Public Schools and Those Who Reside in the City of Suffolk, Virginia. In our efforts to educate families on the safe and proper storage of firearms, please see the resources below:

• GSCW – Project Childsafe (a short module on gun storage and safety)
• Classes: USCCA Academy (usconcealedcarry.com) (courses offered locally through the United States Concealed Carry Association)
• Creating Safer Communities with Operation Secure Store (nssfrealsolutions.org) (informational videos regarding storage.)