Spencerport Central School District officials say the recent loss of two students – one from suicide – compels the district to bring awareness to the challenges facing children today and find ways to partner together in moving forward.
A committee consisting of students, parents, staff, administrators, civic leaders and local experts has planned a communitywide forum on Tuesday, January 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Spencerport High School Performing Arts Center and west cafeteria.
Co-hosted by the Town of Ogden, Village of Spencerport and Spencerport schools, this forum, titled Helping Kids at Risk: Suicide Prevention, will include: Opening remarks from school, community and student leaders, stories from a parent and a survivor, suicide education and prevention, and a question and answer period.
“We know the attention given to this tragedy has also pointed to the issue of bullying,” said Dr. David Seaburn, the committee’s facilitator, retired Director of the Family Support Center, and licensed family therapist, in a press release from the district. “However, the consensus of the committee was that we needed to first concentrate on the topic of suicide, because we are grieving the loss of life foremost and that is the event that has put everything in motion.”
Eric Weaver, the regional director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, will be a presenter at the January forum. He had worked with other school districts on the topics.
Following the forum, plans are also underway to provide tables with resources and information in the west cafeteria, along with a survey to obtain feedback from attendees.
Students, parents and community are invited to attend. Parents are advised that the subject matter of this forum is not suitable for children under 14 years of age.
