Dear Parent or Guardian:

The teen years are marked by a roller coaster ride of emotions – difficult for teens, their parents, and educators.  It is easy to misread depression as normal adolescent turmoil; however, depression appears to be occurring at a much earlier age, and the past decade has seen teen suicide rates double.  

The best way to prevent suicide is to talk about it directly. We encourage you to start this conversation with your child early and be aware of potential warning signs:

• Talking about wanting to die (including social media posts)

• Feeling hopeless, worried, sad, angry or agitated

• Displaying changes in mood, behavior, sleeping, or eating habits.

• Being withdrawn or isolating from friends and family

• Giving away valued items to others: clothes, momentos, etc.

How to help your child:

• Take any expression of suicide seriously, no matter how minor it may seem.

• Listen to your child with empathy and provide emotional support.

• Don’t keep suicide a secret. Talk about these feelings and express to your child the importance

  of seeking help. (www.suicideispreventable.org)

Rosemont students can also get help or access to resources on the school website here.

In order to proactively address this issue, Rosemont High School is presenting a research-based curriculum, SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program, in your student’s 3rd period class on Tuesday June 1st. This program has proven successful at increasing help-seeking by students concerned about themselves or a friend. One goal of this program is to impress upon teens that they can help themselves or a friend by taking the simple step of talking to a responsible adult about their concerns.  

If you are in support of your child’s participation in the training, YOU DO NOT NEED TO DO ANYTHING.

If you do NOT wish your child to participate in the SOS: Signs of Suicide intervention, please send an email including your child’s name and grade to their 3rd period teacher informing them that you do not wish your child to participate. 

If you have any questions/concerns about this program, please do not hesitate to contact your student’s counselor at (916) 395-5130 or email them through the school website (Rosemont.SCUSD.edu).  

The counseling and administration teams,

Rosemont High School