Union R-XI School District

Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Model Policy Publication

Pursuant to Section 170.048, RSMo, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) developed a model policy regarding youth suicide awareness and prevention. This model policy may be adopted by Missouri school districts to meet the requirements of Section 170.048, RSMo which provides as follows:

1. By July 1, 2018, each district shall adopt a policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention, including plans for how the district will provide for the training and education of its district employees. (1)The Union R-XI School District adopted Policy JHDF for youth suicide awareness and prevention.
2. Each district's policy shall address, but not be limited to, the following: 
   (1) Strategies that can help identify students who are at possible risk of suicide; (2) Strategies and protocols for helping students at possible risk of suicide; and (3) Protocols for responding to a suicide death.

This model policy is intended to serve as a template for our district in developing suicide prevention policy. We are currently meeting as a team to adapt and customize the model policy to best address and meet the needs of our school community.

Every year, the Union R-XI School District, in its endeavor to provide the highest quality education and support all learners, administers comprehensive literacy screeners to every student. Since early intervention is key to improving a student’s literacy skills, our goal is to identify any and all struggling students at the earliest opportunity, and to intervene with research-based strategies.

A new dyslexia screener will be added this year to meet a new state mandate (House Bill 2379) for Missouri schools. The new state mandate requires the following:

• All students in grades K-3 must be screened for components of dyslexia

• Any students in grades 4-12 grade must be screened at the request of a parent or teacher

• All staff must be trained to identify signs of dyslexia and implement interventions to support struggling readers

• Schools must communicate with parents/guardians regarding any action plan created after screening

The screeners will not tell us if your child does or does not have dyslexia, however, they will provide valuable information so we can plan for further instructional support if necessary. After screening occurs, we will contact you if we have concerns about your child’s reading and what, if any, interventions or supports are recommended.

Please visit the Union R-XI website for additional information or contact me, or the reading specialist at your child’s school, if you have any questions or concerns.

Dr. Scott D. Hayes

Assistant Superintendent of Schools

Union R-XI School District