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Multiple Lessons from Multiple Suicides

American School Counselor Association National Conference – Denver, CO June 26, 2007. Multiple Lessons from Multiple Suicides. Sandy Austin, Counselor Green Mountain High School Jeffco Public Schools, Colorado. Background. 2001-02 School Year 9-11 Tragedy – Columbine re-visited

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Multiple Lessons from Multiple Suicides

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  1. American School Counselor Association National Conference – Denver, CO June 26, 2007 Multiple Lessons from Multiple Suicides Sandy Austin, Counselor Green Mountain High School Jeffco Public Schools, Colorado

  2. Background • 2001-02 School Year • 9-11 Tragedy – Columbine re-visited • School Crisis Plan Revised November 2nd • Suicides • November 7 – Sophomore male • November 12 – Freshman male • December 3 – Junior male • July 18 – Junior male about to be a Senior

  3. Unforeseen Challenges • Upperclassmen left school w/out checking out – didn’t know how or where they were • 9th & 10th graders – came to Counseling Center • Some “took advantage” of the situation to ditch class • Administrators – hesitant to discipline

  4. Immediate Response • Principal notified • District notified – responders notified • Crisis Team notified • Staff notified • Memo to classes • Community notified • Media issues

  5. Support Offered • For Students – in Counseling Center • “Safe Room” • Individual counseling w/ Counselor • Peer Counselors • For Staff • Counselor in class of deceased student • Substitute teachers for teachers impacted • EAP Representative

  6. Our Biggest Challenges • Changing School Culture • Tattling vs. saving a life • Classroom presentations/”Tips for Tough Times” cards • Confidential Tip Box • Suicide Becoming an Option • Addressing students’ coping skills

  7. Lessons Learned • In implementing our Crisis Response Plan, this is what else we learned: • Take student off attendance system • Get a picture of the student • Clean out locker and give items to parents • Memo to classes to be read immediately • Determining impacted staff/faculty

  8. Lessons Learned • Counselor following student’s schedule • Contact previous families after subsequent suicides • Teachers must be willing to adapt curriculum • Recruit retired administrators and counselors to help

  9. Lessons Learned • Have substitute teachers on hand • Activities for the classes the student attended • Collect student’s work & give to parents • Address the empty desk • Move to the side of the room – don’t make it disappear, don’t shrine it • Collection box on student’s desk

  10. Lessons Learned • Viewings/services – coverage • Service recommendations to family • End of school day • Mentally prepare students • Encourage parents to attend with students • No open mike • Ask permission to check notes in coffin

  11. Lessons Learned • Memorials • No memorial service at school • Don’t recommend planting a tree, t-shirts, plaques, tables, “Wall of Death” -- to avoid the glorification of suicide • Instead, something off school campus?

  12. Lessons Learned • Impact on Counselors • Impact on Peer Counselors • List of kids to watch • Counseling staff debriefing • Secretarial staff debriefing

  13. Lessons Learned • Differences between summer and school year suicides • Communication w/ students & staff • Counseling staff unavailable • Mental Health agency on-call • Support groups • Staff • Students • Parents/community members

  14. Programs Implemented • “Confidential Tip Box” • Classroom presentations • “Tips For Tough Times” Cards • Posters for the community • Support Groups

  15. Programs Implemented • Re-entry protocol • Handouts/brochures for students on mental health, etc. issues • In-services for staff on suicide • Extra Counselor/Interventionist • ASIST Training for staff members

  16. Programs Implemented • Green Mountain Area Partnership revision of purpose • Green Mountain articulation area mental health workers meetings • “Truth About Drinking Video” • Parent Workshops

  17. Programs Implemented • Community Meetings • Community Effort – Second Wind Fund • Challenge Day • “Every 15 Minutes” alcohol program • B.I.O.N.I.C. (Believe It Or Not I Care) Team

  18. Questions? For more details on this information, check out Sandy’s book, Crisis Manual for Christian Schools and Youth Workers detailing information for public and private schools in crisis planning. Sandy Austin’s Contact Information: Green Mountain High School 13175 W. Green Mountain Dr. Lakewood, CO 80228 303-982-9402 saustin@jeffco.k12.co.us

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