b'PurposeThe purpose of this policy is to protect the health and well-being of all students by having procedures in placeto prevent, assess the risk of, intervene in, and respond to suicide. The district: Recognizes that physical and mental health are integral components of student outcomes, both educationallyand beyond graduationFurther recognizes that suicide is a leading cause of death among young peopleHas an ethical responsibility to take a proactive approach in preventing deaths by suicideAcknowledges the schools role in providing an environment that is sensitive to individual and societal factorsthat place youth at greater risk for suicide and helps to foster positive youth development and resilienceAcknowledges that comprehensive suicide prevention policies include prevention, intervention, and postvention componentsThis policy is meant to be paired with other policies supporting the overall emotional and behavioral health of students. ScopeThis policy covers actions that take place in the school, on school property, at school-sponsored functions andactivities, on school buses or vehicles and at bus stops, and at school-sponsored out-of-school events where school staff are present. This policy applies to the entire school community, including educators, school anddistrict staff, students, parents/guardians, and volunteers. This policy also covers appropriate school responsesto suicidal or high-risk behaviors that take place outside of the school environment. DefinitionsAt-Risk Suicide risk is not a dichotomous concern, but rather, exists on a continuum with various levels of risk. Each level of risk requires a different level of response and intervention by the school and the district.A student who is defined as high-risk for suicide is one who has made a suicide attempt, has the intent to die by suicide, or has displayed a significant change in behavior suggesting the onset of potential mental health conditions or a deterioration of mental health. The student may have thoughts about suicide, including potential meansof death, and may have a plan. In addition, the student may exhibit behaviors or feelings of isolation, hopelessness, helplessness, and the inability to tolerate any more pain. This situation would necessitate a referral, as documented in the following procedures. The type of referral, and its level of urgency, shall be determined by the students level of riskaccording to local district policy.Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention | Model Language, Commentary, and Resources 3'