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Frank Lloyd Wright students describe Hope Squad peer mental‑health program to school board
Summary
Students from Frank Lloyd Wright Middle School presented Hope Squad, a peer‑to‑peer suicide‑prevention and mental‑health awareness program, describing selection, training, Hope Week activities and plans to expand into elementary schools.
Frank Lloyd Wright Middle School students and staff presented the school’s Hope Squad peer‑support program to the West Allis‑West Milwaukee School Board on April 13.
Jason Fish, principal of Frank Lloyd Wright, opened the showcase by saying the program reflects the school’s ‘‘theory of action’’ linking adult professional learning to student outcomes and praised students for sharing their work publicly. ‘‘This is our moment,’’ Fish said as he introduced student leaders.
A student Hope Squad leader described the program as ‘‘a national suicide prevention and mental health awareness group’’ and explained selection is by peer nomination in sixth grade and that members receive formal lessons and training to connect fellow students to trusted adults. Students listed the five core values—education, innovation, openness, self‑care and community—and gave examples of classroom and school activities, including themed ‘‘Hope Week’’ events, bulletin boards and postcards of positivity.
Students answered board questions about warning signs and outreach. One student said warning signs can include sudden withdrawal or giving away prized possessions and noted that changes in behavior—being unusually quiet or, conversely, overly energetic—can prompt an approach and referral to an adult. Another student described a flowchart they designed to link classroom activities and announcements to the program’s ultimate goal: ‘‘to connect with the community, reduce stigma and make kids feel comfortable in school settings.’’
Board members and the superintendent praised the students’ presentations. Board member Jane Carr said it is ‘‘a really big responsibility’’ to address mental health and commended the students’ clarity; Superintendent Terrence Robinson thanked them for bringing important work to the board.
Presenters and board members discussed growing Hope Squad into elementary schools and described plans for students from FLW to help initiate programs where they do not yet exist. The presentation concluded with a call for continued adult support and district alignment to sustain the student‑led efforts.
The showcase preceded the board’s regular agenda items, including a district transformation plan and the preliminary 2026–27 budget presentation.
