Loudonville-Perrysville Schools launches Hope Squad to help students feel seen and safe

Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village Schools is launching The Hope Squad this fall to support students' mental health and well-being.

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The program, designed for students in grades 4-12, focuses on fostering genuine connections, encouraging kindness and creating a safe space for students to speak up, especially regarding bullying and suicide prevention, according to a community announcement.

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The Hope Squad is a nationally recognized, evidence-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that's part of the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practice Registry. Squad members, nominated by their peers, receive training from advisors to recognize warning signs, reach out intentionally and connect struggling students with trusted adults.

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“Our students are growing up in a world that can be overwhelming and, at times, isolating,” Superintendent Jennifer Allerding said in the announcement. “Every child deserves to walk into school each day feeling safe, included, valued and heard. The Hope Squad is a key part of our commitment to doing everything we can to support students in their connections to one another and through resources when feeling isolated or alone.”

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What to expect this fall

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Squad advisors Danielle Clady and Sammie Thiemens, along with members of the school counseling team, recently attended training to prepare for their roles and begin forming student teams.

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Once launched, students are expected to meet bi-weekly, assume leadership roles in bringing Rachel’s Challenge — a national school violence and bullying prevention program — to LP Schools in November and plan a “Hoops for Hope” awareness and fundraising event during the high school basketball season.

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“With The Hope Squad, we aim to create a culture where students look out for one another, feel safe being themselves and know they’re not alone,” Allerding said.

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This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.

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This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Loudonville-Perrysville Schools introduces The Hope Squad

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