Southwest Open School closed and canceled classes on Thursday, citing “heightened feelings of tension and disagreements” among students, according to a statement on the school’s website.
“Our students have been impacted by a number of high profile events that have taken place in our community recently including several student suicides,” the statement reads. “This week we have experienced students grappling with both of these and have seen a sharp change in student behavior and related safety issues.”
During the regular semester, SWOS does not hold classes on Fridays, so classes will resume at the school on Monday.
Administrators made the decision to close school doors on Thursday to give staff time to plan for effective student support, including suicide prevention resources, according to the statement. School staff met Thursday to discuss how to address issues of depression and suicide with students, as well as conflict resolution and healthy dialogue, the website states.
“This decision was made in the best interest of the safety and welfare of SWOS students and staff,” the statement reads.
People with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact SWOS director Charlotte Wolf at 970-565-1150.
