The Youth Empowerment Sustainability and Service class (YESS) hosted Say Something Week at Pine Bush High School last week.

 

 

Say Something is a weeklong series of events to bring attention to potential violence and threats. The program teaches students to look for and recognize the warning signs of someone at-risk of hurting themselves or others and how to say something to a trusted adult to get help.

 

 

 

The YESS students were located outside of the cafeteria with different activities in which students could participate. They asked questions about what to do if you have a concern about someone and gave statistics on school violence – many of which were eye opening. Students who answered questions were given a treat! Many students signed the Pledge to Say Something banner as well as designating their trusted adult.

 

 

Alayne Eisloeffel, program director of the Tri-County Prevention Coalition, was on hand throughout the week to assist. She was collecting the signed sheets where students named their trusted adult, someone they can confide in when needed. Ms. Eisloeffel said data shows that having a trusted adult has a direct effect on a kid’s ability to stay drug free.

 

 

 

The message was clear –look for warning signs and threats, they can be in person or on social media. Then Say Something – let someone know so that they can help and violence can be avoided.