Follow the Rules

Even though it's an elementary school, Children are saying "I'm going to kill myself," more and more often. Some say it because they are angry. Many say it to get out of a test or a boring movie, or math class. Some say it to spend time with the counselor. As the counselor, it is my job to fill out seven pages of paperwork with these children. Do they mean it? Is there a plan? What weapon will they use? Where is it kept? And yes, I have done this with a child as young as 5. We sometimes call an ambulance, and the suffering child is taken away. More often, we call the parents, and we both talk to them - the child and I. A few years ago another counselor and a principal with kind hearts Thought they would save the child's family hundreds of dollars. They transported the child to the hospital in a car. A social worker went with them, and the child. He jumped out of the car at a traffic light. The next time they caught up with him, he was on a roof. This could have cost the school a whole lot of money Procedures are in place for a reason, people. Follow The Rules!