Dawn Schnell

Dear Members of the Education Policy and Administration Committee, I support HB 1635 as written and oppose any changes to this important piece of legislation. New Hampshire is a leader in creating safe classrooms for K-12 students. I am the mother of Charlie Schnell, our 16-year-old-son who lost his life to bullying but hanging himself with his school banner. While the school knew of his treatment and the bullying, we were never informed and over the course of 13 intensive days, our happy, loving, beautiful son was crushed by a social tsunami of hate. He reached for God, believing it was the only way to be safe. Schools are in a unique position to identify suicide risks and behaviors that indicate trauma. Please do not lessen the impact that schools have in safeguarding New Hampshire's children. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children 9 - 16 years old. Parents send their children to school and place their most precious lives into the hands of adults working in schools. Please continue to arm school personnel with the knowledge to counter the risk of child and teen suicide. May your work prevent other families' loss of their children. In honor of our Charlie, Dawn Schnell