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Hey Advisors! We would love your help sharing this newsletter with your student Members to inspire engagement and connection throughout your school community. You can forward this email or click 'View in Browser' in the footer and share the link. Thank you for being a part of Hope Squad and for all you do. 👏🏼 | |
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Supporting Each Other Through the Season | |
The holidays can feel merry and bright for some—and a little heavier for others. No matter where you or your friends fall on that spectrum, remember this: You play an important role in bringing light to others. Keep your head up, check in on others, and look for little moments to spread hope and kidness.
Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity. — Simone Weil | |
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This year, we're expanding our efforts to share Hope Week and Day of Hope with Advisors, Members, and your school community. These annual celebrations are a great opportunity to talk about mental health, strengthen connections, and work together to prevent suicide in the classroom and beyond.
Hope Week February 9-13
Day of Hope Thursday, February 12
Here are a few activity ideas for your Squads to consider:
1️⃣ Host a mental health fair 2️⃣ Vote to select themed dress up days 3️⃣ Create a wall with positive messages in a high-traffic area 4️⃣ Schedule a 5k or walk at a local track 5️⃣ Coordinate a Proclamation with your school board or mayor
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We’re counting down the days to the Hope Squad Virtual Conference!
🎬 Airing on YouTube: Friday, January 16, 2026
Hosted by the National Council, this year’s event promises to be better than ever. Featuring a keynote from Hope Squad Founder, Dr. Greg Hudnall, the Virtual Conference will offer ideas tied to creating connections and amplifying your impact.
Tune in for sessions covering:
💰 Quick and easy fundraising ideas for Squads 🤝 Fresh ideas for special events, social media, and Squad engagement 🏫 Ways to collaborate with staff, student groups, and the wider community ❤️ 2026-2027 Hope Squad annual theme announcement 💫 ...And so much more
Grab your popcorn, gather your Squad, and make it a celebration!
👥 Gather Together: Meet in a classroom, auditorium, or common space 🍿 Serve Squad-Themed Snacks: Serve popcorn or festive treats!
📸 Share Your Hope: Snap photos of your watch party, tag us on socials, use #HopeSquad, or submit via the Share Your Hope form
Plan your watch party, subscribe to our YouTube, and turn on your notifications for the big day! | |
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Mindful (Lunchtime) Moments of Hope | |
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At Mansfield High School in Texas, the Hope Squad is turning ordinary lunch periods into something extraordinary: A calm, supportive space where students can take “Mindful Moments.”
National Council Member Anika explains, “We provide a safe space for our peers, giving them a place to relax and ‘detox’ during lunches throughout the day.”
It’s a reminder that making a difference doesn’t always have to be big or bold. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact comes from creating a quiet moment to encourage others to breathe, reset, and feel supported.
Way to go, Mansfield Hope Squad! | |
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Want to see your Squad featured? Submit your events to our Share Your Hope Form and be entered in a gift card raffle, too! | |
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When focusing on spreading hope and helping others, sometimes Hope Squad Members forget about themselves. Taking care of YOU will allow you to be a better help to others! | |
This month, National Council Member Rhyan, shares her favorite self-care strategy, Nature Walks: - "Going outside with a bottle of water and either running or walking and truly embracing nature and everything around me is so good for me!"
"Taking time away from social media and my phone to breathe in fresh air and realize how beautiful our world is so important!"
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I Can Handle It by Laurie Wright This book helps young readers learn how to handle tough situations. Focused on positive self-talk, this first book in a series of eight for younger elementary students helps children build emotional strength to support their mental wellbeing. | | | |
Middle School / Junior High | Mastering Your Mental Health in Middle School by Lisa Shelter This workbook helps middle schoolers learn to deal with stress, manage intense emotions, boost confidence, and cope with all the changes that occur during what can sometimes feel like a turbulent time of transition. | | | |
here i am, i am me by Cara Bean
This full-color graphic novel-style book takes readers on an adventure through the brain that demystifies and destigmatizes emotional and mental health for children ages 12 and up. National Council Member Cash recommended this, sharing, "It does a great job presenting both the science and physical parts of mental health, explaning the biology with fun drawings that make it feel not so heavy." | | | |
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All Hope Squad Members are invited to come together, share ideas, and learn from one another via Connect Calls. Each month, we focus on a specific topic and have time for Q&As. It’s an opportunity to hear what’s working in other schools, ask questions, and leave with practical ideas you can take back to your own Squad! | | Upcoming Topics: - January 13: Hope Week Ideas
- February 10: National Council Application Q&A session
Connect calls occur on the second Tuesday of each month at 3:00 p.m. PT / 4:00 p.m. MT / 5:00 p.m. CT / 6:00 p.m. ET. | | | |
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Check out our monthly toolkits, which include activities, social media posts, and outreach ideas below! Share these with your Advisors and/or Squad to broaden your impact and help your Squad to continue spreading hope! | | Looking for ideas to engage your Hope Squad members, with your school, or beyond? Check out this guide full of ideas that can be implemented at any time to spread awareness and share the hope! | | | |
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