Nominations: How do we make the final decision on who will be on the Squad?
Advisors should be mindful of the students nominated and may need to reconsider students who may not be a good fit. This includes individuals exhibiting bullying behavior, those with current or past suicidal ideation, or students with a history of suicide attempts. It is crucial to treat each nomination as an individual case. For instance, a student who struggled with suicidal thoughts in the past could be a valuable addition if they have received the necessary counseling. Advisors are encouraged to hold an additional meeting with students who have faced challenges in the past, involving their parents and potentially obtaining a note from a therapist confirming their current mental well-being. Furthermore, Advisors should not only consider who received the most votes but should ensure that all student groups and demographics (consider students from all hobbies, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, etc.) are appropriately represented.
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Nominations: Why poll the students? Why not let teachers choose Hope Squad Members?
While teachers and staff typically have a good understanding of student life, seeking nominations from the student population is beneficial. Frequently, students nominate individuals whom the staff would also select. At times, a significant number of ...
Nominations: Who is the ideal candidate to be on a Hope Squad?
The ideal Hope Squad member is someone who is caring, kind, friendly, and a good listener, and does not engage in bullying behavior. When discussing the ideal candidate during the nominations process, we encourage the following: Share the student ...
Nominations: How do you pick your Hope Squad? What should you look out for?
Please consider the following guidelines when selecting which students to have on the Hope Squad. After you collect your results, each Advisor should go through and review the selections. Who are the top chosen individuals? Are they good listeners, ...
How many Hope Squad Members should a school have?
The number of students on your Hope Squad depends on the size of your school and the available Advisors. We recommend having your Squad represent 5-10% of your student body; however, the final number of students on the Squad is up to the Advisor(s)' ...
How many Advisors should a Squad have?
Having an adequate number of Advisors is essential for the program's sustainability and effectiveness. A higher number of Advisors not only enhances the program's sustainability but also makes it more manageable for the Advisors involved. Hope Squad ...