Lakeland district dealing with student's death

School officials in the Lakeland Joint School District are not releasing students who walk home from Timberlake Junior High School today, in response to news of the death of an eighth-grade student by suicide.

“At this time we do not want any of our students to be alone or unaccounted for,” said a message from the school district administration posted on the Spirit Lake Police Department’s Facebook page.

Parents of students who walk home are being urged to arrange for their kids to be picked up from school. To make special arrangements, parents can contact the school at 208-623-2582.

“It is extremely important that we wrap around our kids and our community at this time,” said Becky Meyer, Lakeland superintendent of schools, in the message.

The Timberlake Junior High School library will remain open for the rest of the day as a counseling center for students.

“As we continue to walk this path together, it is apparent our students are in different places and have different needs as we enter the weekend,” Meyer said.

She encouraged parents to be sensitive to their teens’ “wants or needs to talk.”

“Answer all questions honestly and without judgment,” Meyer said. “Go ahead and show emotion - extra hugs and support may be needed. Mental health and teen suicide can be very complex. Having an open dialogue with your teen is extremely important. Remind your child that you are always here to help through any problem, no matter what.”

GET HELP NOW

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, immediate resources are available.

- The National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 208-273-TALK (8255)

- The Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline: 208-398-4357.

- Crisis Text Line, a free, 24/7 support. TEXT 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.

- Idaho Mental Health Services Crisis Line for Children: 208-769-1406.

- Northern Idaho Crisis Center - 24/7 free, safe, private help for those 18 and older. Call 208-625-4884 or go to the center 2195 Ironwood Court, Suite D Coeur d’Alene nicrisiscenter.org