This week, we would like to spotlight Hazen High School in Renton, WA. Principal Ashley Landes created this auto-reply email in collaboration with her counseling team and shared it with her staff at their meeting before the break to help staff understand the additional community resources to support students while school wasn’t in session. Knowing that their students had access to support beyond school allowed many staff to disengage from email and enjoy their time off. At Hazen, this auto-reply was added to staff email over the holiday; however, a similar message could be used after school hours and on weekends to ensure access to available resources. Thank you, Team Hazen, for this great idea and powerful inclusionary practice, which allows students with diverse needs to access community resources. This template was adapted from their resource list so our members can add their local resources.
School Leadership Auto Reply Template
Thank you for contacting me at (insert your school/organization). We are currently out of the office until (add date). Please see the information below based if you have an immediate need. We encourage 911 if you are in a life-threatening situation or unsure who to call.
| If you or someone you know... | Contact/Resource |
| Needs someone to talk to | Teen Link Website (or add a district/organization link- like Talkspace) Teen Link: 1-866-833-6546 (evenings 6-10pm) |
| Is in crisis or self-harming | Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988 Crisis Connections 24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-866-427-4747 Crisis Connections Website For LGBTQ+ Youth: 1-866-488-7386 or text 'Start' to 678-678
24-hr Crisis Teen Text Line: text 'HOME' to 741-741
BIPOC Crisis Text Line: text 'STEVE' to 741-741 |
| Needs academic support | Tutor.com |
| Needs food | Add local resource |
| Needs housing and/or wrap-around services (food, clothing, etc) | Add local resource |
| Needs sexual assault resources | Add local resource |
| Need to speak with law enforcement (non-emergency) | Add local resource |
| Needs more community services | Call 211. They will be able to connect you with information on services and resources within the community. |
| Needs to report a school safety/security concern | School District Safety & Security Tip line/contact- (add number) (available 24/7) |
| Want to see ALL the resources in (add your county) available to teens | Teen Link Guide (this is written for KING County- however, there are many state/national resources) |