Common Questions from Advisors

Common Questions from Advisors

Can I present my Certificate of Completion to my school for professional development credit? 
Yes, the Hope Squad Licensed Advisor Trainers may count towards 6 professional development credit hours. We suggest verifying with your school district if Hope Squad hours can be utilized as PD.
Depending on your state, Hope Squad may not offer professional credit through an accreditation entity.    

Do all advisors need QPR training?
We encourage all advisors to undergo QPR Training. It is the school's choice if the students and Advisors complete the training together. Certified QPR Instructors must lead the QPR Gatekeeper Training sessions. More information on becoming a Certified QPR Instructor can be found here: QPR Institiute- Become an instructor.

When are Hope Squad Advisor Newsletters sent out, and how can I sign up to receive them?
Hope Squad Advisor newsletters are distributed to all Hope Squad Advisors approximately on the first Friday of each month. Advisors who have completed Licensed Advisor Training are automatically enrolled to receive these newsletters. If you're not receiving the newsletters, visit the Scheduled Events tab and click on the registration form under the Newsletter section.

How do I sign up for the Monthly Advisor Support Calls, and how frequently are they held?
Our Hope Squad Advisor Support Calls take place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 1:00 pm ET. To RSVP:
  1. Log in to the Hope Squad Advisor Community.
  2. Or navigate to the Support Calls section under the Scheduled Events tab.
When can I start meeting with Hope Squad students?
After completing the Licensed Advisor Training, nominating students. and obtaining parent permission forms, you can begin meeting with your Hope Squad!
Our curriculum comprises four core lessons: QPR, Why Hope Squad?, Self-Care 101, and Coming Together. While we recommend starting with these core phases, the order is flexible. Alternatively, you can begin with the Coming Together lesson. However, it's important to note that the QPR lesson must be taught by a Certified QPR Instructor.

Is there a letter available that I can give to my students who have been nominated as Hope Squad Members?

Yes, simply click on Squad Success and choose "Nomination Congratulations."

When is the best time to meet with the Squad? 
Hope Squad requires meeting with the Squad at least once a month. Advisors may determine what meeting time works best in their school settings. The most ideal time to meet with a Hope Squad is as a class, allowing for the maximum time to spend with the Squad planning activities and teaching the curriculum. Setting up a new class can be a barrier to implementation, but we are here to help. Many Squads meet during lunch, flex time, or as an extracurricular activity before or after school. 

Where can I get Hope Squad t-shirts for our Members?
Hope Squad branded merchandise is available from our online store. Please contact us if you’re looking for a custom t-shirt with your school’s name or sponsors, and we can work with our store provider to create that design for you to purchase.

What if a parent doesn’t return the permission form?
First, you should try reaching out to the parent/guardian again. In some cases, they will not have the resources (WiFi, a printer, live too far from town, etc.) to return the form themselves, in this case, follow the guidelines that your school provides for clubs that need parental guardian permission. If you and your administration are comfortable receiving verbal or digital permission (EX: parent emails, or provides verbal permission over the phone), then make sure this exchange is documented for your records. Students cannot participate in the Hope Squad without parental guardian permission. 

How can my Hope Squad Members access the Hope Squad Member portal?

Navigate to the Squad Success tab in the Advisor portal to obtain the passcode. You'll find the Hope Squad passcode in the “Did You Know” section under the Connect with Other Advisors Section.


How do students know who is on the Hope Squad? 
Here are some suggestions on how schools can introduce their Squad Members to the student body: 1) introduce Members in an assembly, such as having them introduced by the school principal or by giving them a few minutes to lead their own assembly presentation; 2) encourage Members to make a video introducing themselves; 3) encourage Members to hand out balloons, lifesaver candies, or high fives as students arrive or leave school; 4) purchase Hope Squad swag (t-shirts, etc.) for Members to wear and ask Members to wear their t-shirts at the same time, such as during Hope Week. 

What if a student is referred by a Squad member and that student takes their life?
Hope Squads cannot prevent every suicide. If a student suicide occurs, it’s important for the Advisor(s) to meet with the Squad Members to remind them that there are many reasons for suicides to occur and most of the time the reasons are hidden; that no one is to blame; and no matter how much help some individuals receive, suicide is still seen as an option. During this meeting Advisors need to review self-care with the Squad Members and have the crisis team meet with the Squad. 

How to support Members who are bullied or teased for being on the Squad?
If this occurs among your Squad Members, meet with the Squad and discuss how to handle negative comments or bullying situations. It is helpful to have your Squad role play how to handle these types of situations. Meet with your administration about how to promote the Hope Squad in a positive light and to discourage any type of bullying. Meeting with school faculty and staff would be helpful to encourage their support and positive comments.

When should I fill out the Mental Health Referral Form?

Please submit this form after meeting with any student who reports suicide-related concerns or any other mental health issues. Your school's data is available upon request. The more data you provide, the more information will be available to you!

What are Hope Squad Officers?

Hope Squad Officers are selected by fellow Hope Squad members. Each officer is given responsibilities to support other Hope Squad members throughout the year. We highly recommend appointing secondary-level Hope Squad officers to empower students to develop their leadership, creativity, and teamwork skills, which are crucial for their future endeavors. Providing students with the opportunity to serve as Hope Squad officers can amplify student voices and enhance school culture by creating a more engaging and enjoyable environment for all students. For more details, refer to the Hope Squad Officer guide under Squad Success.
 

I need some more suggestions to check in with my Hope Squad Members.

For additional suggestions on checking in with Hope Squad Members, please visit the Squad Success Tab and choose "Check In with Your Members" under Guides. In this guide, you'll discover various apps and websites to help you stay connected with your Hope Squad.

My school is interested in holding virtual meetings with Hope Squad members. Could you provide more information or suggestions for leading virtual training sessions for Hope Squad Members?
Navigate to the Advisor Portal, then select Squad Success. Next, click on "Virtual Training Guide" under Guides.

When is the Hope Squad National Council Application open?
The Hope Squad National Council Application typically opens in the spring. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application period, please refer to the Hope Squad Advisor Community or contact support@hopesquad.com.

Where can I access recordings of previous Hope Squad Conferences?
To view and share recordings of past events from Hope Squad, go to the end of the Scheduled Events tab.

Where can I discover additional Hope Squad Activity Ideas?
Visit our Hope Squad Advisor Community and engage in discussions with fellow Advisors. Alternatively, navigate to the Resource tab and choose "Monthly Activities Ideas."

My school Hope Squad would like to connect with Hope Squads in my area:
Visit our Hope Squad Advisor Community and create a post to engage with fellow Advisors. Alternatively, contact support@hopesquad.com.


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