Ocean City School District to Host Panel Discussion on Suicide Nov. 3

The Ocean City School District is providing help for members of the community in the aftermath of two suicides in the school district over the past year.

The Ocean City School District Student Services Department and members of the Traumatic Loss Coalition will host the first in a series of panel discussions on the issue on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. in the high school media center. Topics will include student referral services, mental health and drug/alcohol awareness.

For more information, contact the Student Services Department at 609-814-8753.

The Board of Education is also putting together an ad-hoc committee made up of board members, administrators, staff, parents, community members, law enforcement agencies and public agencies. The goal of the committee is to ensure consistency, collaboration and communication regarding teen mental health and wellness, according to a letter sent home by the school district to parents and provided to Patch on Tuesday.

Anyone interested in serving on the committee should contact Scotty Keiluhn, secretary to Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Taylor, at 609-399-5150 or mkeiluhn@ocsdnj.org.

Further information about the committee will be available following approval at the Nov. 18 meeting, 7 p.m. in the community room at Ocean City High School.

“We must work to support our students and unite with families, community and public agencies to prevent additional tragedies,” Taylor said in the letter. “Together, we can ensure that all our children will grow and thrive in a supportive community that is forged through our partnerships.”

Anyone who would like to anonymously report bullying or another serious event can call the “Anonymous We-Tip Hotline” at 1-855-862-8559.

For resources and more information, visit http://www.oceancityschools.org.