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Lindsey Ervin, Valor Christian High School

Dear Parents:

This has been a difficult week for a number of Valor students who were impacted by the tragic loss of two Arapahoe High School students due to suicide.

Our prayers are with their friends and families, and with the faculty and staff who cared for them as we care for our students. We grieve with everyone in our community who feels this loss.

At a time like this, I am honored to serve in the new role of Social-Emotional Services Coordinator at Valor. This message is my introduction to you, as well as an opportunity to provide resources for you and your student.

For Family Time and Conversations

I want to encourage you in your role as a parent, even in the midst of tragedy. You have the greatest influence on your teen’s life. Believe it or not, they are listening to what you are saying — or not saying — at a time like this. Empathy and compassion go a long way.

Please be attentive and engaged with your kids. Spend quality time with them and talk about important topics, including suicide. Ask your teen about what they consider to be their support system: Who would they talk to if they were having the worst day of their life? It’s important your student identify their sources of support.

In your conversations, also point them to the source of hope in God whose promise assures us all: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” If you need help with these conversations, the team at Valor would love to come alongside you.

For Caring Reinforcement

Valor partners with incredible professional counselors who can support you and your kids when you are concerned about their well-being. At any time, please contact me to request referrals.

Also be assured that Valor’s teachers, deans, coaches and leaders deeply love our students and are always seeking ways to let them know they are valued, loved and supported during this critical time in their life.

As parents and educators, we need to work together to communicate that every student — every life — has worth and value in the eyes of God and in our community. The Hope Circle is a simple and powerful tool for meaningful conversations. It was created by Rick and Kay Warren, after the loss of their son, to combat five negative statements with five life-transforming truths from Scripture:

I hate myself ...
You are loved. I John 4:10

I don’t matter ...
You have a purpose. Jeremiah 29:11

I don’t fit in …
You belong. Romans 12:4–5

I want to give up …
You have a choice. 2 Corinthians 4:7

I feel useless …
You are needed. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

For You as a Parent

Finally, I would like to personally invite you to two upcoming events that provide guidance and resources for you as a parent:

Tuesday, October 30, 7:00–8:00 pm — A parent seminar with Dr. Tim Elmore, exploring the fine line between excellence and obsession. Under the pressure of high expectations, how can our sons and daughters make healthy progress through their teenage years?
Saturday, November 10, 9:00 am–12:00 pm — A parent summit on student mental health that includes a variety of local experts. Choose from several sessions on topics such as stress and resilience, addiction, mental health in sports performance, healthy lifestyle habits, and more.

More event details will follow, so please keep an eye on the Valor Weekly. Meanwhile, may our collective prayer be for God to keep our kids safe mentally, emotionally, spiritually, socially and physically.

For our students,

Lindsey Ervin
Social-Emotional Services Coordinator
Lindsey.Ervin@ValorChristian.com
303.471.3261

Additional Resources

In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.

Mental Health Crisis Resources
Colorado Crisis Services
1.844.225.0097
Text TALK to 38255
ColoradoCrisisServices.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1.800.273.8255

Safe2Tell
For students to report concerns about a friend
Safe2Tell.org

Communication Essentials

Attendance Line: 303.471.3100
Front Desk: 303.471.3000

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Highlands Ranch, CO | 80126 US

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