Dear Pine-Richland Families, Community Members, and Colleagues:

 

We hope your student(s) have had a seamless transition back to school for the 2021-22 school year. At Pine-Richland, we work to empower our students to build resiliency, foster growth, and adopt health and wellness practices. 

 

Some of our students may struggle with normal life stressors, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, and experience additional challenges of adversity, isolation, racial injustices, trauma, loss, financial issues, and grief. September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-34 (CDC, 2018). It is preventable and WE all serve a role in suicide prevention. Pine-Richland continues to join others to raise awareness through educating our students, staff, parents, and community members on the causes, risk factors, warning signs, and access to a continuum of resources Suicide Awareness Policy & Resources/Overview.

 

There continues to be uncertainty about the psychological effects of the pandemic and suicide rates (APA, 2021: APA Promotes National Suicide Prevention Awareness). We encourage all parents and school staff to review Preventing Youth Suicide: ​ Tips for Parents and Educators​ ​Infographic Flyer as well as the video from the Mayo Clinic: Teen Suicide Prevention. Suicide rarely happens without warning. It is important to understand the risk factors and warning signs, as well as the steps to take to assist in providing support to those who may struggle. Parents, school personnel, and teens (Preventing Teen Suicide- Tips for Peers) may observe changes in behavior, hear about information secondhand, see information on social media, recognize these warning signs in person- we should never ignore these signs and refer to get help for that individual immediately (NASP, 2021). 

 

As a school community, we all have a role to play in building resiliency in our children and observing changes in a student’s behavior, understanding warning signs and referring to them so they can get help immediately (Observe, Listen, Refer).

 

Within this eBlast, you will find details about the mental health services we provide as well as information about Suicide Prevention and Intervention.

Dr. Maura Paczan, Lead Psychologist

Dr. Melissa Ramirez, Psychologist (7-12)

Dr. Taylour Kimmel, Psychologist ( K-6)

Mr. Noel Hustwit, Dir. of Student Services/Special Ed.

 

Our school counselors, psychologists, and social workers conduct check-ins and offer individual and group counseling services to help our students with academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Contacts for these services are Mrs. Carolyn Welshonce, School Social Worker (7-12),724-625-3111, ext. 2227; Dr. Taylour Kimmel, school psychologist (K-6), Dr. Missy Ramirez, school psychologist (7-12); and Dr. Maura Paczan, Lead Psychologist District-Wide, can be reached at 724-443-7230, ext. 6500.

 

Students in grades K-12 can access outpatient mental health services both in school and through telehealth through a partnership with Holy Family Services. New intakes for outpatient referrals can be completed by contacting either your school counselor and/or Holy Family Services at 412-766-9020, ext. 1222.

Students in grades K-12 are supported through this systematic team approach to navigate school and mental health resources for families and remove barriers to a child’s learning and mental health treatment. You can find information about Pine-Richland’s SAP and team members for each school building along with resource numbers here: Student Assistance Program/Overview.

Pine-Richland has a district-wide positive behavioral support and intervention program - RAMS Way - that encourages a positive school climate for both students and staff members - both virtually and in person.  

 

If you recognize or hear info raising concern:

 

 

Directly report potential concerns to:

 

We encourage all parents, school staff, and students to review the Preventing Youth Suicide Risk Factors and Warning Signs. Students who are experiencing suicidal ideation often do not directly seek help. Parents, school personnel, and students can help recognize the warning signs and observe changes in behavior. More information on what to look for and do can be found at CDC Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19, Pine-Richland Suicide Prevention and Intervention, and Immediate Crisis Help and Support. 

Pine-Richland partners with The Highmark Caring Place to provide support, grief resources and materials, consultation services, educational training, and peer support groups. Please reach out to your school counselor for assistance in getting started. 

(Food Resources, Child Care, Shelters, Unemployment Compensation, Utility Assistance, Medical Assistance, & Internet Safety)

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has a list of Resources to Support Families for support, services, and information that can help children and families with their basic needs. PA 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number and web resource for finding health and human services- for everyday needs and crisis situations.  

The district has a partnership with Crisis Center North to provide support to our students and families counseling services and supports who experienced trauma and/or violence.