As a previous student in the Taunton Public School System with lived experience (and a member of the American Association of Suicidology) I believe we have to do better. I believe we need to create a better curriculum and procedure for suicide prevention and intervention.

When reading the TPS policy manual online there is no mention (that I could find) of suicide prevention and/or intervention. I know many students before the pandemic struggled with this issue (including myself), and Covid-19 is only making it worse. Many may point to the resources that are already available, but if many are still struggling, they may not be working for the students. This is why we need to add this important topic to the policy.

One model policy that could be used as a resource can be found here: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Model_School_Policy_Booklet.pdf

Please help our students who are struggling!