Dear Holton-Arms Community,
Some of you may have heard extremely disturbing rumors last night concerning the possible death of a Holton student from suicide. I am writing to let you know that all Holton students are safe. We have taken attendance and reached out to parents of absent students. Thankfully, we can confirm that we have accounted for all our girls.
However, we are very sad to share that there have been two recent confirmed suicides in our area - one Walt Whitman High School student two weeks ago and one this past weekend who attended Walter Johnson High School. We continue to keep these students, their families, friends, and school communities in our thoughts as they mourn these tragic losses.
This afternoon, Upper School Director Chris Lynch and I met with the Upper School students to reassure them that all Holton students are safe. We also shared our concerns and feelings about the recent suicides, and reinforced with our students that we care about them and how they are feeling. Ms. Levitine-Woodside also talked to Upper School students, reassuring and reminding them that there are many adults here who care about them and are here for them. We will continue to educate our community about recognizing signs of depression and suicide and what to do should they have concerns about their own mental health or that of a friend.
We also felt that it is an appropriate time to address the power of social media in spreading rumors and shared the following steps with our students about what to do when confronted with unconfirmed news and rumor:
- Anytime you learn something on social media regarding the safety and wellbeing of another person, you must alert a trusted adult. (It is the "see something, say something" responsibility we have to each other.)
- You should not respond to or repost unverified information.
- You should disconnect from social media so you don't get caught up in the misinformation.
- If you are upset, seek help from an adult rather than turning to social media sites for support.
Know that all of us at Holton are here to support both you and your daughters. Our school counselors are available at anytime should you desire their assistance with this topic or any other concern. Their contact information and resources regarding mental health and suicide are below.
Please continue to keep these families, friends, and schools in your thoughts during this sad time.
Sincerely,
Susanna A. Jones
Head of School
Resources:
- Kristen Edma, Middle School Counselor, 301.365.6016
- Annette Levitine-Woodside, Upper School Counselor, 301.365.6037
- Montgomery County Crisis Center, which is available 24 hours a day, at 240.777.4000.