Smith-Cotton principal discusses suicide with students

The Sedalia School District released a statement on Monday afternoon through Facebook explaining that the Smith-Cotton High School Principal, Wade Norton, met with students in each grade level to discuss suicide.

The statement went into detail about preventative steps the district has been taking.

“The district and its crisis team have implemented professional development for staff members to recognize students in crisis; they also have been pursuing a credentialed, appropriate suicide prevention program that would connect positively with students.”

According to the statement, initiatives have already been put in place, and reminders were given to the students about how they could report any bullying.

” Norton pleaded with students to let teachers and staff know about issues so they can take appropriate action and get students the help they need.”

You can read the full statement below:

” This morning, Smith-Cotton High School Principal Wade Norton met separately with each grade level in the school to discuss suicide and other student concerns. He explained that in recent months, the district and its crisis team have implemented professional development for staff members to recognize students in crisis; they also have been pursuing a credentialed, appropriate suicide prevention program that would connect positively with students. The program Signs of Suicide (https://mentalhealthscreening.org/prog…/sos-signs-of-suicide) will be implemented as soon as possible, with teachers, staff members and a group of student leaders receiving training within the next few months; the program will be implemented fully by the beginning of the 2017-18 school year.

Another initiative that began earlier this month is Link Crew, which will team upperclassmen with incoming freshmen to provide the freshmen with a stronger connection to the school, activity groups and support options.
Norton also reminded students that there are bullying report forms in the counseling office and that anyone can submit an anonymous tip through the Tip Line on the home page of the district web site (sedalia200.org) or through the district’s smartphone app.
Students had the opportunity to ask questions or make comments about their perception of the school’s and district’s efforts in these areas. Norton pleaded with students to let teachers and staff know about issues so they can take appropriate action and get students the help they need.
We ask that questions and comments be directed to Norton at nortonw@sedalia200.org.”