Midland High students and community donors expand effort to address period poverty

Midland High School students, counselors and volunteers told the board Feb. 16 about a student‑led effort to address period poverty across Midland Public Schools, and administrators said a $10,000 donation from the Stroacker Foundation will support expanding the program to all secondary buildings.

Presenters said the National Honor Society coordinates weekly restocking of bathrooms and select classrooms, operates discreet distribution methods and has implemented a QR code system so anyone can alert NHS when supplies run low. "Our National Honor Society chapter is actively working to support students across the district by helping ensure essential hygiene products are accessible to anyone who needs them," Amy Guusman said.

Speakers framed the initiative as both a material support program and an educational effort to remove stigma and normalize conversations about menstrual health. The presenters described a parent organization that helped secure the foundation gift and noted ongoing community donations have kept supplies flowing in some buildings for extended periods. Board members asked about annual usage and cost estimates; presenters said exact annual dollar figures are difficult to calculate because donations arrive irregularly and some sites were recently restocked from grant funds.

Administrators said the program also aims to connect high school student leaders with middle school peers to reduce stigma, and they emphasized partnerships with families and community groups that have supported the work.

The board thanked Midland High staff and NHS students for the presentation and for sharing plans to expand access and education.