Rockford Schools issue statement after death of 11-year-old Eisenhower student Jalyah Thomspon

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford Public Schools have issued a statement in response to the death of an 11-year-old Eisenhower Middle School student, Jalyah Thompson.

Family members said she took her own life on Friday.

“This should never happen,” wrote Superintendent Ehren Jarrett. “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.”

According to data released by the school district, suicide is the number two cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14, nationwide.

Authorities suggest watching for the following warning signs:

• Changes in mood
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Expressing sadness and hopelessness
• Increased anxiety
• Mentioning self-harm

“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,” Jarrett wrote.

“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,” he continued. “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.”

According to a GoFundMe set up to support Jalyah’s family, the youngster suffered from bullying.

“Heartbroken, we want others to know that with more kindness and less bullying, Jalyah would still be with us today,” her grandmother, Arlain Thompson, wrote.

“Jalyah left us at eleven-and-one-half years old far, far too early to seek and reach her desire to become a nail technician. True to girls her age, Jalyah wore pink, loved Hello Kitty fashion, gave attention to her hair and nails, took many selfies, listened to Billy Eilish and Sza,” she added.

The City of Rockford posted a list of resources for children struggling with grief, loss, bullying, isolation, suicidal thoughts, or hopelessness on Monday.