by Jacob Sims Speyer

Depression and Anxiety Day tomorrow marks the continuance of this school’s efforts to combat mental health and depression in light of recent tragedies. In addition to the new day, and increased counseling and awareness efforts, the district has also hired full-time suicide and depression educator Marlene Kenney.

Kenney’s job is to help educate students and teachers about suicides, according to principal Jennifer Price.

“Its really all about us working together to make sure that we get support for kids,” said Price.  “We have done a lot to support kids we are concerned about,” including “vulnerable students” and “kids who are struggling.”

Later on in the spring, the school is also planning on training students in suicide prevention, Price said.

This school is also planning on training health and wellness teachers in suicide prevention.  “I think that we are going to have to bring some of this suicide prevention work into our school permanently,” said Price.

Although the school has worked hard, Price believes help from others in the community is still beneficial and necessary. “Its really all about us working together to make sure that we get support for kids,” said Price.