Counseling Services

Follow up information to the QPR (question, persuade, refer) Gatekeeper training for suicide prevention: What to do when you are concerned about a student?

1. During the school day - A teacher/staff person becomes concerned about a student's mental health and you feel that the student needs to see someone right away - they are not okay to be in class. If you are able to have someone watch your classroom for a few minutes it is best to walk the student down to the guidance office and ask that a support staff person be called. This could be their guidance counselor, one of our social workers, , school psychologist or student assistance counselor. When you are with the student and the support staff person you can ask the student if you have their permission to share what you are concerned about with the support staff. Once this is done, return to class.

If you are unable to leave your classroom and you are concerned about this student, call down to the main office to have someone meet the student in your classroom to bring the student to the office.

If you feel that this issue does not need to be dealt with immediately, but you do have some concerns about the student - send an email to any of our Student Support Staff.

2. After school hours - Sometimes faculty/staff become aware of a situation with a student after hours. For example, a student may email you or you may become aware of something on social media. If this happens and you are concerned for the student's safety you should call the parent to let them know of your concern and ask the parent if they are with the child. If you can not reach the parent you should call 911 and ask the police to do a wellness check.

Once you are in contact with the parents and/or the police you should send an email to administration with all relevant information. Student name, your concern, who you called, etc with dates and times. This will create a paper trail of actions taken.

Thank you for all you do for our students. You truly are on the front lines when it comes to the health and well being of many of our students.