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Thirty-eight TCS students participated in Sources of Strength (SOS) Training at Tullahoma High School last month.

Last year, East and West Middle Schools joined together to form SOS, a group that exists within their schools to help point fellow students to the various sources of strength available to every person. The primary goals of this group are the prevention of mental health stressors and the improvement of the overall school climate. After starting at the middle school levels, TCS has expanded SOS to Tullahoma High School as well.

“It is so exciting to be able to expand our middle school Sources of Strength Student Groups to THS this year,” said Gina Bumbalough, TCS Coordinated School Health Director. “Each of the three groups has wonderful action plans to promote wellness, develop healthy coping, resilience, and leadership skills, and build a climate of connection and belonging.”

The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TNSPN) provided training to the middle school and the newly-added high school group in August. Thanks to a grant from the TNSPN, middle school students received the training at no cost. Mary Anne Christian, Kearee Jackson and Hannah Quinn with the TNSPN directed the training for our students and staff members.

During the morning session, the district’s adult advisors went through training before students joined for lunch and the afternoon training and activities. EMS advisors are Lee Brannon, Haley Brown and Taylor Whitt. WMS advisors are Shari Smiley Cox and Amanda Baker. Lori Welch, Susie Young and Cassie Hester also serve as high school advisors.

Students used the training to make action plans for the year and to learn about resources to support each other and their classmates. Several of these students attended the Tennessee Teen Institute this summer and already have support campaigns planned throughout the school year.