CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Arapahoe High School is coping with two student suicides within the past week.
Administrators say they are trying to provide the safest environment possible.
Classes at the school were canceled on Wednesday. Students instead were allowed to go to the school for support.
The latest deaths involve students at the school that also was the scene of a shooting in 2013.
One parent who asked not to be identified says something has to be done to help students.
“This is wrong. We have now had seven suicides at the school,” the parent said. “We’ve had a shooting at the school and I blame the administration for not taking a more proactive stand where children — including children that I know — have asked for (help) and it makes me sad and it makes me so sad for these families that are going though this and it is unacceptable. It is just unacceptable.”
Principal Natalie Pramenko sent a letter to parents.
“Parents, please talk with and listen to your kids and their friends. Please seek help for them or for yourself if you need it. School mental health professionals can assist you or connect you to professionals in the community. We shared this link to resources on our website earlier this week.
At this time, we intend for classes to resume on the regular schedule Thursday, October 4, 2018 and we will communicate again should this change. Additional mental health professionals will be at Arapahoe on Thursday and in the days to come for as long as we need.
It is important that we come together tomorrow and in the days ahead to support one another. Hug your kids and tell them you love them. Our kids need us. Now more than ever, Warriors take care of one another.”
Suicide resources
If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or depression, the following resources are available:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255): Speak with someone who will provide free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn how to help someone in crisis, call the same number.
Colorado Crisis Services Hotline (1-844-493-8255): If you are in crisis or need help dealing with one, call 1-844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255 to speak to a trained professional. When calling Colorado Crisis Services, you will be connected to a crisis counselor or trained professional with a master’s or doctoral degree.
The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386): A 24/7 resource for LGBT youth struggling with a crisis or suicidal thoughts. The line is staffed by trained counselors.
Colorado Crisis Services Walk-In Locations: Walk-in crisis service centers are open 24/7, and offer confidential, in-person crisis support, information and referrals to anyone in need.
Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: (1-844-264-5437): The best resource for readers to report suspected child abuse and neglect.
The number serves as a direct, immediate and efficient route to all Colorado’s 64 counties and two tribal nations, which are responsible for accepting and responding to child abuse and neglect concerns. All callers are able to speak with a call-taker 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
