08/29/2026
As a civilian and especially as someone still serving in the military… I have lost multiple friends to su***de. I take both su***de and mental health very seriously and I take the conversations around them seriously too.. especially when it comes to having these conversations with my kids.
Starting this school year, Minnesota requires mental health instruction for grades 4–12. Statute 120B.21. ISD 728 already has health class, counselors, THRIVE, and 988 resources. What families still do not have in writing is how this classroom mandate will be handled.
The board should evaluate an approach that is mindful of families impacted by su***de and that respects how comfortable parents are with this being taught at school versus stewarded at home.
A workable plan:
1. Post the materials. Before a unit starts, publish what will be taught in grades 4–12. No mystery packets.
2. Notify families in advance. Especially for su***de and self-harm content. Give parents time to talk with their child first, or request an alternate assignment.
3. Let parents choose the steward. Some families want this conversation at home. Some want the school to lead it. Respect both. Send a home guide so parents who opt to lead it are not left guessing.
4. Keep the line clear. A lesson is a lesson. Screening, counseling, and referrals are different. Say so in the plan.
5. Train the adults in the room. Not just the health teacher. Anyone delivering this needs to know how to handle a student who has lost someone.
Mental health education can be done with care. Care starts with sunlight, notice, and parental partnership… not a surprise PowerPoint.
If you have lost someone, you are not alone. 988.
