Suicide Prevention Board Policy

Rialto Unified takes student mental health seriously. Board Policy 5141.52 commits the district to preventing suicide, supporting students at risk, and responding with care when a student is in crisis. In practice, this means:

• Building a caring school climate where students feel connected, safe, and known by adults on campus

• Teaching mental and emotional health as part of the health education curriculum, including problem-solving, coping skills, and how to recognize signs of depression

• Training staff to identify warning signs and respond quickly when a student may be at risk

• Clear intervention steps so any staff member who suspects a student is thinking about suicide notifies the principal or counselor right away

• Working with families and community partners to connect students with the right support

Read the full Board Policy 5141.52 — Suicide Prevention (PDF)

Anyone can help save a life by noticing changes in someone they care about. Common warning signs include:

• Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or being a burden to others
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
• Sudden changes in mood, sleep, appetite, or appearance
• Giving away belongings or saying goodbye as if for the last time
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs, or new risk-taking behavior
• Talking about unbearable pain or being trapped

If you notice these signs — reach out. You don't need to have the perfect words. Ask directly, listen without judgment, and connect the person with an adult or a crisis line below. Asking about suicide does not put the idea in someone's head; it opens the door for them to get help.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 9-8-8 (1-800-273-8255)

• The Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

• California Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-800-843-5200

• Rialto Unified Safety Office: 909-820-6892

In a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.