Newport/Mesa, CA: School district works to prevent suicides

Feb 14, 2018, LA Times: Newport-Mesa school district takes steps to improve program for preventing youth suicide http://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-me-mental-health-update-20180214-story.html The Newport-Mesa Unified School District is taking steps to improve its program intended to educate staff members and students on ways to prevent youth suicide. A midyear assessment report presented to the school board Tuesday by Phil D'Agostino, district director of student and community services, and Angela Castellanos, district coordinator of mental health and outreach, followed the suicide of a Corona del Mar High School student in January. "As you know, we've had a tragic incident," D'Agostino said. "It's not the first time the Newport-Mesa family has experienced a situation like this. We've planned to give you this presentation before that actually occurred, so it is timely." The program, which trustees approved in July, requires that all staff members who have contact with students — including teachers, administrative staff, cafeteria workers and custodians — be taught how to identify youths who may be at risk of suicide and how to intervene. Secondary school employees have received training, D'Agostino said, and elementary staff training will commence this spring. Additional training will be provided to all district staff members once appropriate content has been determined. … The district also has more than 70 crisis team responders certified to support people exposed to any situation that could create post-traumatic symptoms. … D'Agostino said the recent crisis helped officials realize they need to replace the suicide prevention task force composed of students, teachers, counselors, school psychologists and parents with a wellness task force to "look at the bigger picture" and promote mental health. The district also plans to collaborate with Challenge Success, a Stanford-based nonprofit organization that helps families and students build academic, social and emotional skills. Instead of focusing on an immediate crisis, the organization looks at school and community culture that may perpetuate students' academic and emotional issues, according to its website…. Though the law requires only that districts implement a plan focusing on seventh through 12th grades, Newport-Mesa's includes every grade.