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Students present 'Strong Minds, Safe Schools' plan urging improved visibility of counselors and peer supports
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Summary
Student advisory representatives briefed the board on mental‑health findings and proposed a four‑week Safe Promise rollout for May to boost awareness, access and peer engagement; students asked for clearer counselor visibility, increased staffing capacity, and inclusive activities.
Two student leaders told the board on April 14 that peers want clearer access to mental‑health supports and more interactive, peer‑led programming.
Samir Chhediak, a ninth grader from Gateway High School, summarized the student advisory group’s priorities after meetings this school year: better awareness of who students should contact (counselors and mental‑health teams), more staffing capacity for counseling services, inclusive access across socioeconomic groups and improved effectiveness of school wellness activities.
"There is a clear demand for students that need to know their counselors," Chhediak said, adding that students proposed posters, introductions in high‑traffic areas and online visibility so peers know where to go.
Planned student‑led May rollout
Amaya Tho, a ninth grader at North [Vermeyers] High School representing Students Against Violence Everywhere, outlined a four‑week Safe Promise initiative planned for May (Mental Health Awareness Month) called Strong Minds, Safe Schools. The plan calls for a week of 'meet your mental‑health team' activities (posters, maps, lunch speed‑rounds), a 'break the stigma' campaign with question boxes and district‑wide resource promotion, a week of coping‑skills practice (box breathing, journaling, calm corners), and a week focused on identifying supports and peer check‑ins. The students said they will lead creative elements—announcements, posters and lunchtime events—while district mental‑health staff review content.
Measurement and access
Students proposed pre/post questionnaires to measure whether students know their counselor and feel comfortable accessing help. The presenters recommended using grade‑level Google Classrooms and school Chromebooks to distribute forms and collect responses. The student group also recommended making Safe Promise club activities accessible after school to enable peer‑to‑peer interaction.
Board response
Board members thanked the students and asked about equity and follow‑through. Members said they want the district to ensure counselors are visible and that students have safe points of contact; district staff said materials and a rollout plan will be provided and that Safe Promise leadership will coordinate implementation.
The students closed by asking the board to keep the dialogue open and to continue measuring outcomes.
