An investigation is underway to find out what led to an 11-year-old pupil’s loss of life by suicide and what may have been completed to stop it.
The household of Jalyah Noel Thompson has mentioned on social media that bullying at Eisenhower Center Faculty was a significant factor in her Feb. 21 loss of life.
Rockford Public Faculties Superintendent Ehren Jarrett mentioned throughout a information convention Wednesday that bullying of Jaylah has not been confirmed. He mentioned faculty district personnel are interviewing college students, residents and workers to resolve what occurred. He mentioned police are also investigating.
“We wouldn’t have any proof that I might be capable to share that that’s what occurred,” Jarrett mentioned. “I do know that there are allegations … however we’ve got a really detailed and thorough investigation course of.”
Relations say the Eisenhower Center Faculty pupil was bullied in school and died by suicide Friday, Feb. 21. Some relations have blamed faculty officers for not doing extra to guard the woman.
Jarrett mentioned faculty district invests $30 million into help personnel past the fundamental bundle of lecturers and counselors which are required.
Rockford Public Faculties Superintendent Ehren Jarrett discusses the tragic loss of life of Eisenhower Center Faculty pupil Jalyah Noel Thompson, 11, throughout a information convention Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in school district headquarters, 501 seventh St.
He mentioned it wasn’t sufficient to save lots of Jalyah.
Jarrett referred to as for renewed partnership between the college system, college students, mother and father and social service suppliers. He inspired anybody who’s struggling to inform somebody they belief. Even with extremely skilled personnel prepared to assist, colleges can not help if they do not know a toddler is struggling, he mentioned.
There may be info posted in each faculty on the place to hunt assist for a wide range of points together with bullying, consuming problems, medication, nervousness, self hurt, despair and suicide. College students can scan a QR to report considerations anonymously.
Jarrett mentioned extra workers have been assigned to Eisenhower to help the distraught faculty group.
“This can be a wake-up name,” Jarrett mentioned. “We wish to guarantee that college students are saying one thing in the event that they’re struggling, and in the event that they really feel uncomfortable saying one thing that household and mates are stepping up.”
Jarrett mentioned the group is rightfully offended and understandably seeking to assign blame.
“I am unhappy, and I am offended that this occurred to such a younger youngster,” he mentioned. “I additionally wish to see that we take that frustration and that unhappiness we really feel and guarantee that we’re doing every little thing we will to return collectively and enhance as a group, as a result of we shall be very restricted in what we will accomplish with finger pointing. We shall be rather more profitable if we come collectively and see what we will do to stop future tragedy.”
Relations say that Jalyah Noel Thompson, 11, an Eisenhower Center Faculty pupil, died by suicide Feb. 21, 2025.
In the event you suspect somebody is in disaster, contact the Nationwide Suicide Prevention Hotline by dialing 988. You may as well textual content “HOME,” to the disaster textual content line at 741741 to speak with a disaster counselor.
Jeff Kolkey writes about authorities, financial growth and different points for the Rockford Register Star. He may be reached by way of e mail at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.
This text initially appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford schools are investigating what led to 11-year-old’s death
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