Counseling Support for Students
Published on Dec 3, 2011 09:53

 
The Enfield Community has suffered the loss of two teenagers over the past few weeks.  This has greatly affected a number of our students, staff members, parents, and community members alike.  As our schools continue to support our students in these trying times, we hope that one message resonates clearly.  All of our school employees are committed to the support and safety of our students.  We are collaborating with school, town, and state officials and experts in the field of teen issues and suicide so that our support and response is well placed.  To date, we have had counselors from the school and the town Youth Services bureau present in school, meeting with and counseling students on an on-going basis.  We are reaching out to students and community members to proactively identify affected individuals who are in most need of our support.  Students have been informed about the services available both in school and out.  We are in the process of developing on-going supports for students that they can access both during the school day and beyond.  We have met with experts in the field of teen suicide to validate our current efforts and to assist us in developing additional strategies and future interventions.  We want parents and community members to receive the same message that our students received today about support that exists in the community.  Parents with questions, concerns about their child's safety, or in need of help can contact either Enfield Youth Services (860-253-6380) or the United Way Crisis Help Line (211) when school is not in session.  During the school day, we encourage students and adults to reach out to our school counselors, our social workers, our school administration, or our school nurses to assist them in accessing support.  This Sunday, we want parents and students to be aware that we will have staff members available at Eli Whitney Elementary School from 1-7 PM to support students who are grieving.  We want the Enfield community to know that our schools are committed to supporting and caring for our students.  Parents and students should be aware that we have plans underway to bring evening information programs to parents and to bring in school programs and counseling groups to students.