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Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 9-8-8
Social-Emotional
Suicide Prevention
If you or someone you know is affected by suicide, please call for help. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by calling 9-8-8.
Arkansas City High School and Arkansas City Middle School both have Hope Squads.
Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Hope Squad members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy peers and trained by advisors. The program reduces youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention.
The Kansas Legislature has passed and the Kansas Governor has signed SB 323 which is known as the Jason Flatt Youth Suicide Awareness Act. The provisions of this bill relevant to suicide awareness and prevention are:
- The board of education of each school district shall provide suicide awareness and prevention programming to all school staff and shall notify the parents or legal guardians of students enrolled in such school district that the training materials provided under such programming are available to such parents or legal guardians.
- Such programming shall include at a minimum: At least one hour of training each calendar year based on programs approved by the State Board of Education. Such training may be satisfied through independent self-review of suicide prevention training materials, and A building crisis plan developed for each school building. Such plan shall include:
- Steps for recognizing suicide ideation; Appropriate methods of interventions; and A crisis recovery plan. On or before January 1, 2017, the State Board of Education shall adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this section.
Find more suicide prevention resources below:
Suicide Warning Signs
Four out of five teens who attempt suicide give clear warning signs.
- Suicide Threats
- Depression
- Anger/Increased Irritability
- Sudden Changes in Appearance
- Decrease in Academic Performance
- Preoccupation with Death/Suicide
- Previous Suicide Attempts
- Making Final Arrangements
Suicide Threats
|
Almost everyone who attempts or completes suicide has given warning signs through their words or behaviors. Do not ignore any suicide threats. The following statements may indicate serious suicidal feelings:
Suicide threats are not always verbal. |
Depression
Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide attempts. Mental or addictive disorders are associated with 90% of suicides. One in ten youth suffer from mental illness serious enough to be impaired, yet fewer than 20% receive treatment. Depression can be exhibited in may ways, including the following, which are detailed in more depth:
- Sudden, abrupt changes in personality
- Expressions of hopelessness and despair
- Declining grades and school performance
- Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Increased irritability and aggressiveness
- Withdrawal from family, friends, and relationships
- Lack of hygiene
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Anger/Increased Irritability
Recent research has identified a connection between interpersonal violence and suicide. Suicide is associated with fighting for both males and females, across all ethnic groups, and for youth living in urban, suburban, and rural areas. You should be concerned if a friend is exhibiting unusually irritable behavior.
Sudden Changes in Appearance
Decrease in Academic Performance
Almost everyone who attempts or completes suicide has given warning signs through their words or behaviors. Do not ignore any suicide threats. The following statements may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
- A model student suddenly failing classes or not completing assignments
- Lack of concern for school, classes, grades
- Grades dropping suddenly
Preoccupation with Death/Suicide
Previous Suicide Attempts
Making Final Arrangements
Suicide Warning Signs
Four out of five teens who attempt suicide give clear warning signs.
- Suicide Threats
- Depression
- Anger/Increased Irritability
- Sudden Changes in Appearance
- Decrease in Academic Performance
- Preoccupation with Death/Suicide
- Previous Suicide Attempts
- Making Final Arrangements
Suicide Threats
|
Almost everyone who attempts or completes suicide has given warning signs through their words or behaviors. Do not ignore any suicide threats. The following statements may indicate serious suicidal feelings:
Suicide threats are not always verbal. |
Depression
Depression is one of the leading causes of suicide attempts. Mental or addictive disorders are associated with 90% of suicides. One in ten youth suffer from mental illness serious enough to be impaired, yet fewer than 20% receive treatment. Depression can be exhibited in may ways, including the following, which are detailed in more depth:
- Sudden, abrupt changes in personality
- Expressions of hopelessness and despair
- Declining grades and school performance
- Lack of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Increased irritability and aggressiveness
- Withdrawal from family, friends, and relationships
- Lack of hygiene
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
Anger/Increased Irritability
Recent research has identified a connection between interpersonal violence and suicide. Suicide is associated with fighting for both males and females, across all ethnic groups, and for youth living in urban, suburban, and rural areas. You should be concerned if a friend is exhibiting unusually irritable behavior.
Sudden Changes in Appearance
Decrease in Academic Performance
Almost everyone who attempts or completes suicide has given warning signs through their words or behaviors. Do not ignore any suicide threats. The following statements may indicate serious suicidal feelings.
- A model student suddenly failing classes or not completing assignments
- Lack of concern for school, classes, grades
- Grades dropping suddenly
Preoccupation with Death/Suicide
Previous Suicide Attempts
Making Final Arrangements
Bullying
USD 470 Board of Education Policy JDDC prohibits bullying in any form on school property, in a school vehicle or at a school sponsored activity or event. Students who have been subjected to bullying should immediately report bullying incidences to the appropriate authority which may include any USD 470 staff member including certified or non-certified personnel, building administration, or district administration. Once a report of bullying has been made to a USD 470 staff member, appropriate reporting and investigation will pursue. Students who have bullied others in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and expulsion. If appropriate, students who violate the bullying prohibition shall be reported to local law enforcement.