October is Bullying Prevention Month
Bullying is when someone hurts or scares another person repeatedly.
Bullying includes:
- Calling someone hurtful and derogatory names
- Spreading lies and bad rumors about someone
- Being mean and teasing someone
- Hitting, punching, shoving, spitting and physically hurting someone
- Social exclusion or isolation ... not including someone is a group
- Getting certain kids or teens to "gang up" on others
- Having money or other things taken or damaged
- Being threatened or being forced to do things
Bullying also can happen on-line or electronically. Cyberbullying is when kids or teens bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology. This can include:
- Sending mean text, e-mail, or instant messages
- Posting nasty pictures or messages about others in blogs or on Web sites
- Using someone else's user name to spread rumors or lies about someone
- Stealing someone's password and spreading rumors about someone else making it seem like that person is the Cyberbully
What You can do to Help:
Don't be afraid to involve an adult. Reporting and involving an adult isn't tattling! You are helping someone.
Who should you involve and report the concern to?
You could involve your parents, teacher, school counselor, school nurse, principal, coach or any adult you trust. Be sure to report exactly what happened: who was bullied, who the bully was, where and when it happened. Even if you suspect a kid is being bullied, it's a good idea to report that, too. Most adults really do care about bullying and will be glad that you told them about it.
If you involve an adult and you don't think they are doing anything about the bullying or if the situation isn't improving, keep going and report to another adult. Keep reporting and involving adults until someone does something to help.
September is Suicide Awareness Month
How you can help...
It is important to be aware of possible warning signs and to talk someone when you or someone you know is in need of help. As a friend, classmate, family member, or neighbor you can help by simply opening up and reaching out. By honestly and openly expressing your concerns, you can send an important message that you care and understand.
Contact you academic counselor to set up a meeting date and time to Talk, Listen, and be Cared For. We are here for you.
Who to Contact at PHS:
Class of 2024 --- Ms. Ames at
[email protected]
Class of 2023 --- Mrs. Lunsford Baugh at
[email protected]
Class of 2022 --- Mrs. Real at
[email protected]
Class of 2025 --- Mr. Ricco at
[email protected]
PECHS ALL --- Ms. Owens at
[email protected]
Transition --- Mrs. Hebert at
[email protected]
LEP --- Mrs. Retta at
[email protected]
Email us to request a meeting session: Virtual, Distanced F2F, and Phone sessions offered.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
1-800-273-8255
Warning Signs:
The following factors may increase the risk of suicide or attempted suicide. However, these risk factors do not always lead to a suicide.
- Depression and other mental disorders, or a substance-abuse disorder
- Feeling hopeless and worthless
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
- Physical illness
- Feeling detached and isolated from friends, peers and family
- Family history of suicide, mental illness, or depression
- Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
- Access to a weapon in the home
- Knowing someone with suicidal behavior, such as a family member, friend, or celebrity
- Coping with being gay in an unsupported family, community, or school environment
- Incarceration (time in prison)