February 25, 2025
Dear RPS 205 Families and Students,
It is with profound sadness that I reach out today. We mourn the tragic loss of Jalyah Noel Thompson, a 6th Grade Eisenhower Middle Schooler whose life has ended far too early. No words can capture the grief, outrage, and confusion we all feel.
This should never happen.
We must come together as a community. Not to cast blame, but to recognize our responsibility to support all of our children.
No child should feel this alone.
No child should believe there’s no way forward.
And yet, somehow, we failed to reach one of our own. That pain is shared by all.
The reality of youth suicide
For kids 10 to 14 years, suicide is the number two cause of death. And over the past decade these suicides have swelled by nearly 60%. An alarming number of children report feelings of persistent sadness, hopelessness, and isolation.
Recognizing the signs
Many children who die by suicide suffer in silence. And most don’t seek help. We must break this cycle and see the kids among us who feel invisible and unheard.
Look for the warning signs:
Changes in mood
Withdrawal from friends and activities
Expressing sadness and hopelessness
Increased anxiety
Mentioning self-harm
Seeking help
Every RPS 205 school has counselors, social workers, and trained professionals who are here to help. We make these resources available because your mental health matters. You matter. If you need someone, please reach out. Talk to a teacher, a counselor, a parent, any adult you trust. Remember, you are never alone. If you see a friend in trouble, don’t ignore the signs. Talk to them. Tell someone.
Taking action together
While Rockford Public Schools invests nearly $30 million annually in social-emotional support across our schools, we recognize that this is just the beginning. True change requires a collective effort, and we know that with the support of our community partners, we can do even more to ensure every child feels seen, supported, and valued.
Every word we speak, every interaction, every act of kindness can change someone’s life.
We all share this pain. But we also share the responsibility to act.
Together, we can do better. We must do better.
With our deepest sympathies,
Dr. Ehren Jarrett
Superintendent, RPS 205
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to one of the following resources:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
RPS 205 School Counselors & Support Services – Available at each and every school
Rockford Public Schools. 501 7th St., Rockford, IL 61104.