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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.” 

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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)

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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

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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 1-800-SUICIDE   Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK

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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

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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

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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

http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/drew-ferraro?before=1328984899

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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   http://www.erikaslighthouse.org/Walkathon/

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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

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Questions/Comments

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