Barrington High School experienced significant tragedies over the last few years, but experts say it is no different from its counterparts across the state, as well as the country.

Still, the suicides of five students and two staff members since the fall of 2007 caused the district to take a long and thoughtful look at its policies, procedures and curriculum that address, and aim at averting, future tragedies.

A valuable partnership has begun in recent months between the school district, Rush University Medical Center and the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. 

The initiative will be funded by the Cheryl T. Herman Foundation which provides research funding for diagnosis, treatment and education for bipolar disorder and other related mental illnesses.

Experts such as Dr. John Zajecka, associate professor of psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center, will provide guidance to the school district on mental health education and other services for staff, students and parents. Zajecka specializes in bipolar disorder, depressive disorders and mood disorders

“It is refreshing to see the open mindedness and the effort by the school district to take a hard look at what is currently being done,” Dr. Zajecka said.

Part of what is currently implemented includes a three-day curriculum included in sophomore health classes called Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP). 

Experts such as Dr. Zajecka and Dr. Mark Reinecke, professor and chief of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, will be reviewing the ADAP program.

A 16-week educational mental health program, created through the University of Oregon, is also being reviewed by the district as a possible resource as they move forward.

Both Dr. Zajecka and Dr. Reinecke will also be consulted on a continual basis to review procedures and ensure the school district is doing everything it can to support students experiencing mental health difficulties.

“We’re looking forward to this valuable opportunity,” said Stephen McWilliams, Barrington High School principal.  

McWilliams added that the bigger picture is being looked at in regards to strengthening mental health programs.

“We are starting with the high school and looking at the curriculum addressing social and emotional issues; we will also look to make sure it complements what is being done in the middle and elementary schools,” said McWilliams.

Stronger identification of students experiencing mental health and emotional crisis is another one of the goals.

“We want to ensure we are giving students all the tools necessary to communicate with adults if they, themselves, or another student is in crisis,” said McWilliams.

Teachers in the district already receive state-mandated training that assists in identifying students experiencing crisis, said Marni Johnson, department chair of special services for Barrington High School.  

Increasing awareness and understanding of mental health issues will also take place.

“We need to de-stigmatize the topic (depression) to students to help them understand better and get them to come down and talk to counselors if they need help,” Johnson said. 

Johnson said steps to achieve this could include the use of marketing materials, such as posters or flyers, around school meant to address and educate students. 

“The goal is to let students know depression is a medical condition just as other diseases, such as cancer or diabetes,” Dr. Zajecka said.  

The district will also evaluate its communications of all tragedies where loss of life is connected to the school district.

That includes how they are reported to the student body as well as parents and the media.

“We’ve worked hard along the way and we’re willing to receive instruction on how to work better,” said Dr. Tom Leonard, superintendent.

“The school seems to shoulder the burden, but it’s the community and families within the community that should as well,” said Steve Murray, executive director of the Cheryl T. Herman Foundation.

“It’s being your brother’s keeper,” Murray said.

A roundtable discussion took place on Wednesday afternoon which included the Village of Barrington, administrators and staff, District 220 Educational Foundation and representatives from H.E.R.E., Rush University Medical Center and the Cheryl T. Herman Foundation.