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Redford Union students describe Hope Squad peer-support program; board praises outreach
Summary
Student representatives updated the board on Hope Squad peer-support activities, media coverage and QPR training; students said they are not counselors but connect peers to advisors and can debrief with staff after incidents.
Students told the board the Hope Squad peer-support program has been active since September and has gained local media attention. The student representative said the group is "not counselors, but we're just kind of helping people through the situations and getting them the help that they need," and emphasized students can debrief with advisors after an incident.
Superintendent Witt and board members praised student leaders for stepping forward on a sensitive topic during suicide awareness month. The superintendent noted local coverage on channels 7 and 4 and asked staff to share links and any related video with the community.
Board members thanked students and advisers for the work and encouraged further support and visibility for the program, with one board member offering to host sessions to help the program grow. A board member also asked about safeguards if peer supporters encounter emotionally burdensome situations; the student representative replied that advisors such as Miss Adolfo are available for debrief and follow-up.
The board did not adopt new policy during the meeting; members offered continued support and asked staff to consider future presentations by Hope Squad to the board and community.
