Los Gatos, January 20, 2023: The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District (LGSUHSD) is proud to announce that a second cohort of Los Gatos High School students and teachers were trained yesterday, January 19, 2023, on “Sources of Strength,” a peer-to-peer comprehensive wellness program that focuses on suicide prevention, and provides tools that impact other issues, such as substance abuse and violence. Led by Wellness Center Coordinator Mariana Cozzella, 41 students and new staff members participated to become Agents of Social Change on the Los Gatos High School campus.
This half-day training focused on teaching students how to positively impact school culture and climate by spreading messaging of hope, strength, and help. By teaching students to become Agents of Social Change, they are given the tools to go out in their school community and not only connect peers to resources, but network to have one-on-one conversations; develop “Hope, Help, Strength” messages; and present peer-to-peer presentations.
Implemented by Saratoga High School in 2016, both district schools continue to train students and staff. In the 2021/2022 school year, Los Gatos High School trained 47 students and 13 staff, and Saratoga High School trained 42 students, 4 staff, and 1 community member.
“Training our students and staff in cohorts allows us to maximize the power of networking among peers,” shared Superintendent Bill W. Sanderson. “It creates a common language on our campuses, and really builds the tools these students will carry with them throughout their time at high school and beyond. Mental health and our Wellness Centers are a priority for this district and I’m proud of the work they continue to accomplish.”
To learn more about our Wellness Centers, click on the following links: Los Gatos High School Wellness Center and Saratoga High School Wellness Center.