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Spearfish middle school students present Hope Squad peer-support program; three years of funding pledged
Summary
Middle school students and counselors presented the Hope Squad suicide-prevention peer-support program. The South Dakota Helpline will fund the program for three years; afterwards the district expects an annual curriculum cost of about $650.
Students and staff from Spearfish Middle School presented the Hope Squad peer-support program to the Spearfish School District 40-2 School Board on Jan. 13, describing the program's purpose, selection process and initial funding plan.
Middle school staff member Mr. Lyon introduced the presentation. Counselors Amber Kaplan and Tika Meuschler (also identified as Hope Squad advisors) and a group of students outlined Hope Squad as a student-led peer support program focused on mental health and suicide prevention. Students said the program trains members to recognize signs of emotional distress, check in with peers, and connect classmates to trusted adults.
The students named the selection process: peers nominate candidates, counselors review nominations and staff secure parental permission before students join the program. Advisors told the board Hope Squad meets twice a month during a lunch period to deliver lessons on topics such as online safety, hallway/classroom check-ins and self-care while supporting others.
Funding for the program was described as follows: the South Dakota Helpline will cover the program's cost for the first three years, and thereafter the district will be responsible for a curriculum cost of about $650 per year. Presenters said Black Hills Federal Credit Union nominated the program for additional small-dollar support, and the students and advisors plan local fundraising (examples mentioned: bake sales and student events such as "pie in the face") to support ongoing costs.
Board members asked how the program had been rolled out and the students and advisors described a nomination process conducted in September (suicide awareness month), use of a Google nomination form for students, parent permission, and staff introductions at a staff meeting. Advisors said a portion of the middle school Hope Squad membership could not attend that night but they remain participants in the program.
The board offered positive remarks; no formal board action or vote on funding was taken at the meeting. The presentation concluded with the board thanking student presenters and advisors.
