WINNEMUCCA — The Humboldt County School District is increasing services to students following the suicide of a Lowry High School sophomore on Friday (Jan. 14). The suicide followed what authorities described as an attempted suicide four days prior.  Both events are still under investigation and involve juveniles so very little information has been released to the public.

According to Superintendent Mike Baumgartner, counselors from Nevada Mental Health will meet with faculty before classes begin on Tuesday (Jan. 18) in order to help guide them in discussing the events of last week with their students.

Acting on the advice given by Nevada Mental Health, faculty may then open discussion with the students during advisory class.

Baumgartner explained students keep the same advisory teacher year after year; the advantage of which is a closer relationship develops between the advisory teacher and the students.

In addition, there will be six counselors available to students throughout the day. Students may discreetly make arrangements to talk to the counselor with their advisory teacher or any staff member they feel comfortable with.

Students who are feeling distressed over the death of their fellow student are encouraged to talk to the counselors.

Baumgartner said the counselors will also be available to parents who have concerns about their child. In addition, parents may consult with the counselors about talking to their children about suicide and/or the death of a fellow student.

Parents who would like to talk to a counselor may call Lowry High School to make arrangements or stop into the main office.

Counselors were available on Saturday (Jan. 15) at Lowry High School for the family and close associates of the young man who took his own life on Friday.

Baumgartner assured parents the school district is doing everything they can to provide the extra support students may need at this time.