Stillwater NewsPress

Local News

Related Photos

  • Scott Fritz, founder of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, speaks to teachers and staff during a suicide seminar Monday at Meridian Technology Center.

    scott fritz.jpg
October 23, 2012

Stillwater school Superintendent Ann Caine says teen suicide seminar just the first step

By Mark Rountree Stillwater NewsPress

STILLWATER, Okla. — Stillwater Public Schools teamed with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health for a suicide prevention workshop Monday at Meridian Technology Center.

Approximately 150 people, including about 75 teachers, attended the seminar, which was being held one month after the death of Cade Poulos, an 13-year-old eighth-grader who committed suicide in a hallway at Stillwater Junior High School.

“This is just the first step,” said Stillwater Public Schools Superintendent Ann Caine, who pledged after Poulos’ death that the district would refocus its efforts on youth suicide prevention. “We have to be more open. We need to be more transparent and have those difficult conversations with students and with our staff and figure out if we are doing everything we can. We know we can’t do it all ourselves. We know it’s a partnership between the school and the community and the home.”

Monday’s seminar featured a presentation by Scott Fritz, founder of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide. Fritz said he was inspired to begin the organization after the suicide of Stephanie, his 15-year-old daughter, nearly nine years ago.

Fritz said he has since been on a mission with his organization to educate teachers, schools and parents on identifying signs that a child may be potentially suicidal.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News
Stilly Studio
  • Savory_Stilly_Studio_05_01_13.jpg Savory crosses off goals with fifth album

    “I love the high energy stuff,” he said. “Even though it’s country, being able to rock it up, distorted guitars and just seeing the crowd, feeding off of that.”

    May 2, 2013 1 Photo

NewsPress Specials
AP Video
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Stocks