SF 8th Grade Center Ups Suicide Awareness

The Spring-Ford Area School District board of education heard from two Spring-Ford eighth-graders, two counselors and Principal Mike Siggins at Monday night's work session about the increase in suicide awareness at the school.

"One of the interesting things that happens each new school year is we have students we welcome into the new building," Siggins opened. "They provide us with unique talents and interesting challenges. This year’s group is exactly the same as prior years.

"Many nights I’ve driven home sad, upset frustrated and quite frankly rather helpless. I could not come up with the answers that some of these students needed. We have spent a lot of time working together this year. The four people behind me are a small portion of a number of teachers and students who have sat down and done some tough work to help some students."

Eighth-grader Kaylin Cecchini explained to the board that Spring-Ford students have lost two friends to suicide over the course of the past couple of years. After the third suicide occurred, Cecchini said the students felt the desire to make a difference and change what was happening at the schools. So, students decided to put together a project to make the Spring-Ford Eighth Grade Center a better place to be.

Student Sarah Flenders then said yet another student was lost to suicide in January. A group of students created a Facebook event that eventually recruited 200 kids. About 50 people worked together to organize a "sit-in" at the school

Gathering in the auditorium, students discussed their concerns with teachers and counselors. Eight students were picked to be a part of a leadership group.

"We created something pretty amazing," Flenders said.

Guidance Counselor Nick Lemuell explained the school is now taking many initiatives to make the day easier and more fun for the kids inside. Kids can listen to their iPods on Fridays during "SSS time" and lunches.

Recently Ursinus College students came for special assemblies to help the eighth graders understand suicide and prevention.

"They let them know that it gets better and that they can get through it," Lemuell said. "It was extremely impactful."

During health classes, students have gone through sessions to talk about teen pressures, depression and ways to go about getting help and supporting one another, or even asking for support.

There was also a t-shirt sale and a wristband sale that just wrapped up, and a that takes place today from 11 a.m. until the end of school. More than 400 students are participating. Proceeds go toward suicide awareness, and also breast cancer awareness.

Counselor Delores McCarter said students wanted something more immediate instead of planning for later.

"Obviously, they were in emotional pain at that point and emotions were running high," she said about the time shortly after the last suicide.

There's now even a mentor program between high school students and the eighth-graders. Flenders said the school has become really united. Cecchini agreed, saying the school has become more welcoming.

"Everyone is so much nicer to each other and so much more aware of everyone else’s feelings," Cecchini concluded. "People love coming to school every day because of this."

Students Honored in All-State Concert

The board also approved action items B through D at the meeting, recognizing students for participation in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State concert in Lancaster.

Students honored included Drew Carr and Kayla Dwyer, who were in the All-State Choir, and Jordan Popky who was in the All-State Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Board President Tom DiBello added how impressed he was with the school's own recent concert.

"I went to see the high school choir Friday night," DiBello explained. "What a phenomenal job that group of kids did. Next time they have something planned for next year, I encourage everyone to see it. Mrs. [Yvonne] O’Dea does a wonderful job with her students. It was free too, which is great for such a wonderful concert."