Feel Good Story: Tomball ISD Implements Hope Squad, a Peer-to-Peer Connection, on High School Campuses

November 15, 2024
Tomball ISD Implements Hope Squad, a Peer-to-Peer Connection, on High School Campuses 

Amidst a growing need to address mental health concerns among today’s youth, Tomball ISD took a bold step forward this year in implementing Hope Squad, a proactive approach to mental health support, enabling students to become trained peers supporters, in all three TISD high schools. 

Administrators in Tomball ISD recognized the need to address mental health directly, as students are facing an increasing array of challenges that impact both their academic performance and overall well-being. 

Hope Squad builds a culture of empathy and understanding, aligning with Tomball ISD’s commitment to creating safe and supportive school environments.

“A support system like Hope Squad is essential in today’s educational landscape,” said Steven Shiels, Tomball ISD Director of Counseling.

Students often turn to their peers first when they’re struggling, and Hope Squad leverages this natural dynamic by training students to recognize signs of distress, practice empathic listening, and refer peers to trusted adults for further support.

Hope Squad connects gatekeeper training, psychoeducation, a peer-to-peer approach and community engagement to reduce the risk of suicide and increase school connection and belonging. 

“This peer-led support structure is a lifeline for students, helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage early intervention, which can be pivotal in preventing crises,” said Shiels.

Students are nominated by their peers to serve on Hope Squad and meet at least bi-weekly during advisory periods. Through these sessions, students are learning valuable skills like recognizing mental health warning signs and directing them to trusted adults like the school counselor, engaging in meaningful conversations, practicing social skills, and developing student-led activities that promote a positive school climate. 

“The hope is that our squad members will become leaders and empathetic listeners who notice struggling peers and are able to connect them to trusted adults that can help,” said Shannon Gutierrez, Tomball Star Academy Counselor.

Tomball Star Academy Hope Squad members have already been busy at work, creating a script and video to share school-wide that introduces the members and the mission of Hope Squad. They also facilitated a school-wide activity by writing affirmation notes for every student in the building.

“Tomball Star Academy students have embraced this role and are in the process of planning another school-wide activity aimed at building a sense of belonging and connection,” said Gutierrez. 

Tomball High School students are busy at work, creating a gratitude tree and will be active during lunches, spreading kindness and joy this holiday season.

Hope Squad emphasizes building a community where students look out for each other, helping to break the stigma around mental health and encourage open conversations. By having a trusted network of peers, students feel more comfortable seeking support, ultimately building a foundation for a stronger, more connected community.

“These experiences equip students to become change-makers in their own schools, fostering resilience and creating an inclusive environment where all students feel supported,” said Shiels. 

By implementing this program, each high school is able to foster an environment where every student feels seen, supported, and understood.

“The positive feedback and engagement we’ve seen thus far are strong indicators that Hope Squad is making a meaningful impact.”

For more information, visit the Hope Squad website