Good mental health is not simply the absence of illness but also the possession of skills necessary to cope with life's challenges. The U.S. Surgeon General's 2000 Report of Children's Mental Health estimates that one in five children and adolescents will experience a significant mental health problem during their school years.

The family is first source of support for a child's mental health. As educators, we strive to understand the role mental health plays in the school context because it is so central to our students' social, emotional, and academic success. The web page is dedicated to providing resources for parents.

Should you desire more information please contact your school counselor or the Office of Student Services.

The Family Awareness Network (FAN) was established in 2011 by parents and staff members. FAN provides relevant information and programs to engage and support our parent community in fostering the development of thriving and resilient youth while normalizing and accepting their journey. Visit the D12 Family Awareness Network Website.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among school age youth in the United States (CDC 2014). In 2015, nearly 18% of high school students seriously considered suicide, 14% made a suicide plan, and 9% attempted suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause across all age groups. As such, prevention efforts are essential.

The Cheyenne Mountain School District utilizes the Signs of Suicide (SOS) curriculum for 8th and and 9th graders. The main teaching tool of the SOS program is a video that teaches students how to identify symptoms of depression in themselves or their friends and encourages help-seeking. The program's primary objectives are to educate teens and to equip them to respond appropriately. SOS is an action-orientated approach instructing students how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care and Tell).

The ACT message is embedded in the SOS program.