Middle School receives grant to create Hope Squad
Hope Squad
The Middle School is preparing to launch a student-led suicide prevention group called the “Hope Squad.” The Hope Squad is a national organization that aims to reduce youth suicide through education, training, and peer intervention. Hope Squad members are nominated by their classmates as trustworthy peers and trained by advisors. There are Hope Squad chapters at over 900 schools in the United States and Canada.
Our school has a grant to work with this program to help teach our youth about warning signs to prevent suicides and self harm. “Students completed a google form nominating students they felt they could trust and rely on during difficult times,” explains Principal Smith. “After reviewing the nominations, we were able to create a group of about 8-15 students for each grade level. I have reached out to talk with the students and they are very excited for the opportunity to help create a positive atmosphere in our middle school.”
Principal Smith has also communicated with the parents of the nominated students, and plan to have a meeting on the program on November 19. We are very optimistic about incorporating this program into our school life, and hope this will prove helpful to students.