Promoting Healthy Alternative Schools and Community Partnerships Initiative

Kiita Alternative High School

Kiita reported an updated health curriculum as its most recent accomplishment stemming from involvement in the Initiative; Kiita is now implementing the evidence-based Fourth R Healthy Relationships Curriculum. Kiita also reports offering enhanced physical education to its students through the integration of PE materials/equipment acquired through the initiative. In the 2011-2012 school year, Kiita targeted suicide prevention and intervention utilizing a myriad of community partners to maximize the student impact. Kiita’s many accomplishments include conducting a series of mini-courses/activities attended by 50 Kiita students as well as by 16 students from Point Hope. These events were supported by and held at Barrow’s Ilisagvik Community College. This event was co-facilitated by Norm Edwards, a community leader, and Bob Meade, Kiita’s principal, and included student group presentations. Plans are in place for staff across the North Slope to be trained in SOS (Signs of Suicide) next year and for SOS screening to become part of Kiita’s enrollment process in the 2012-2013 school year. Community support for Kiita’s suicide prevention efforts is rapidly growing with emergent partnerships with the North Slope Borough Health Department, the Arctic Women in Crisis, and the Shell Oil Company.