A tragic incident unfolded at Rochester’s School of the Arts on Monday morning when a 15-year-old girl suffered life-threatening injuries after falling from an elevated position. According to police reports, officers responded to a distress call at the school on Prince Street at approximately 11:30 a.m. regarding a suicidal student.
Immediate Response and Medical Assistance
Upon arrival, first responders attempted to make contact with the girl, but before they could intervene, she fell. Emergency medical personnel quickly transported her to Strong Memorial Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. Her condition remains critical, and further updates are awaited from medical authorities.
Student and Parent Reactions
Students and parents were left shaken by the event, with some expressing frustration over the school’s communication regarding the crisis.
“I was just in my class, and then they said on the loudspeaker that we were going to be having a hold-in-place, and then they transferred it to lockdown. We were in there for an hour,” a student told 13WHAM.
Parents waiting outside the school were distressed, with many learning about the incident through social media before receiving official communication from the school.
“The only thing we’ve heard from the school was an email and a phone call saying there was a crisis for a student and an ambulance was called. They didn’t go any further than that,” a concerned mother told reporters. “I found out about this through Facebook before the school even called. I’ve been waiting outside for my son for hours. It’s chaotic.”
School District’s Response
The Rochester City School District (RCSD) issued an official statement shortly after 1:30 p.m., confirming the emergency and assuring parents that the safety and well-being of students remained their top priority.
“This afternoon, a student from School of the Arts experienced a crisis, and emergency personnel responded to provide necessary support. The student’s parents were contacted, and an ambulance was called to the school to provide necessary support. The school is currently in a hold-in-place procedure. Families who wish to pick up their children may do so in the side parking lot on University Avenue. The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.”
Later in the day, RCSD Interim Superintendent Demario Strickland addressed the gravity of the situation, acknowledging the emotional impact on students and faculty.
“Today was a difficult day for our school community. We recognize that events like this can have a lasting impact, and we want to ensure that our students and staff have the support they need.”
To provide immediate support, the district has arranged for counselors and members of the Trauma, Illness, and Grief (TIG) team to be available for any student or staff member in need of emotional assistance. Families are encouraged to reach out to the school for additional resources and support for their children.
Addressing Mental Health Awareness
This tragic incident underscores the importance of mental health awareness and access to resources for struggling students. Schools, families, and communities must work together to ensure that students experiencing distress have the necessary support systems in place.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, immediate help is available. Call the crisis hotline at 988 or visit mental health resource websites for assistance.
Moving Forward
As the Rochester community grapples with this heartbreaking event, school officials, counselors, and parents will continue to prioritize the well-being of students. The incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for increased mental health support in schools and accessible resources for young individuals facing crises.
More details regarding the student’s condition and any further school responses are expected in the coming days. Our thoughts remain with the young girl and her loved ones during this difficult time.
