1 Ashleigh Pigusch Judy Pike Thaddeus Sherman Student Suicide at Lake Forest High School District Mission: “To inspire the passion to learn, the insight to know oneself and the courage to make a difference.”

2 Lake Forest High School Overview College Going Culture 100% of students graduate 97% enter college following high school graduation *Staff Demographics: 95% White, 4% Asian Illinois School Report Card (2010)

3 Student Suicide Crisis 3 unrelated deaths in 3 months – all struck by Metra train 2 confirmed suicides  Farid: 15 year old sophomore  Dropped off at school and did not go to class  William: 15 year old freshman  Dropped off at school by Mom; did not go to class  On football team 1 unconfirmed death; under investigation- possible suicide  Ed: 18 year old senior  Son of Lake Forest College President Evidence suggests each student intentionally stepped in front of an on coming train “In the North Shore area, kids are defined by academic and athletic success. Not every kid is going to fit into that mold. Mental health issues are relatively taboo.” – NorthShore University HealthSystem

4 Resources in the Community Lake Forest Hospital  Associated with Northwestern  Provides Counseling, Mental Health Education and Support Groups CROYA  Committee Representing Our Young Adults  Lake Forest has a very active chapter  Provides a “safe place” for young adults to come together and talk openly with one another LEAD  Strong Families, Healthy Youth  Support and education for parents about teen depression, underage drinking and other risky behavior National Suicide Hotlines – 24 hours a day/7 days a week  Hopeline Network SUICIDE  Suicide Prevention Lifeline TALK

5 Addressing Student and Community Needs Students Parents Lake Forest Community Commuters on train and Metra employees School Staff Prevention program for new students each year

6 Crisis Intervention Plan for Students: Resources in the School New Developments: IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CRISIS 1) Drop-in counseling center for students, parents & staff 2) School Counselor-led classroom group crisis intervention w/ story sharing for all students - assess for students that need individualized services LONG TERM 3)“Gatekeeper Training” for staff (recognize signs of depression & learn suicide intervention skills) Community Task Force- wellness fund & collaboration with community Erika’s Lighthouse – student leaders trained for teen panel SADD Depression Awareness Week- “Erasing the Distance”, Namaste Day Remembrance support group, Annual Wellness Walk Pre-Crisis Resources: Counselors School Psychologist Social Worker Trained Grief Counselors

7 Student Case Study Dear Will, How were you pushed far enough to take your life by jumping in front of a train?! I remember my first “baby crush” in first grade and how embarrassed I was when you found out that I “liked” you, but you “liked” me too and we became friends and reading partners. I keep thinking about old memories when things were simpler. Now even though it has been a month, it will still just hit me out of nowhere and I just want to sit here in class and cry. Last time I saw you after the football game, you and your friends were wearing fake mustaches, which I complimented. You smiled. That’s my last memory. I knew about the bullying, but I never thought you were so unhappy. I never thought you were one to give up. I can’t even imagine how your family feels. I can’t stop imagining it happening. It runs through my mind a few times a day. I just don’t understand how you made up your mind to do it. How you couldn’t handle it anymore. I can’t even describe how much I hate the people who drove you to this. I wish I could have changed your mind. I’ll miss the sense of knowing you are still here. Love, Briana

8 Crisis Plan(Interventions) for Briana Prevention  Positive, strong and trusting relationship with her school counselor  Participation in a group curriculum class instruction by the school counselor on grief, loss, effective coping strategies, or even school crisis awareness (including suicide) Intervention  Individual grief/loss counseling with her school counselor.  Participation in an 8-16 week grief/loss support group Post-vention  Participation in an Annual Wellness Walk/Walkathon 

9 Crisis Plan Assessment/Follow-up Assessement  Track percentage of student body utilizing counseling services  100% participation in Erika’s Lighthouse  Increased participation in community resources like CROYA Follow-up/Post-vention  Erika’s Lighthouse/Red Flag program  Classroom instruction/guidance lesson  Small support group offering

10 Questions/Comments School Counselors Can Change the World!