Helping Students Stay Safe & Supported This Summer

Mental Health
As we head into summer break, we want to thank you for all you have done to support our schools, students and one another this year.

Summer can be a time for rest, connection and new routines. We also know that time away from school can bring added stress, isolation or uncertainty for some students and families. We want to make sure our community knows that support remains available throughout the summer.

The Olympia School District’s Resources for Youth and Families webpage includes local and national resources for mental health, crisis support, basic needs, food assistance, health care, family support and more. This is a helpful place to start if you or someone you know needs support during summer break.

Families may also review this youth mental health and suicide prevention information from Thurston County Public Health and Social Services: Youth Suicide Risk Health Advisory.

Students and families are also encouraged to continue speaking up when something does not feel right. If you are worried about yourself, a friend or someone in our school community, please tell a trusted adult. Safety concerns may also be reported through the district’s anonymous Vector Alert system.

Another resource available to young people in Washington is HearMeWA, a free, anonymous, 24/7 helpline for Washington youth up to age 25. Youth can use HearMeWA to share concerns about themselves or someone else and get connected with trained support.

For immediate danger or a life-safety emergency, call 911.

For mental health crisis support, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential and available 24/7. Teen Link is also available for youth and young adults at 1-866-833-6546 from 6-10 p.m. daily.

Please Note: District digital safety tools remain active on district-managed accounts and devices during summer break. When urgent safety concerns are identified, they are reviewed and routed for appropriate response.

Before the end of the school year, schools will continue to remind students about the importance of looking out for one another, telling a trusted adult about any concerns and knowing where to find help.

Recreation/Gun Safety
As students spend more time outdoors, traveling, gathering with friends and enjoying local parks, lakes and pools, we encourage families to 
keep these summer safety reminders in mind:

• Talk with children about water safety, including swimming with supervision, avoiding swimming alone and using properly fitted life jackets when appropriate.
• Remind students to wear bike helmets, use sunscreen, stay hydrated and take breaks during periods of high heat.
• Practice safe storage of firearms, medications and other potentially dangerous items. Firearms should be stored securely in a locked cabinet, safe, or lockbox, out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals. Gun locks are another important tool for helping prevent unauthorized access.

Thank you for helping support a safe, healthy and restful summer break for all Olympia School District students and families.