Shorter days and changes in routine can make winter a difficult season for some students. While many look forward to rest and time indoors over the holiday break, others may experience seasonal depression or a drop in their sense of connection.
Across Prosper ISD, Hope Squads are ready to support students during the winter months. These student-led groups are active on almost every campus – 30 in total, with the exception of our Early Childhood School – and are an important part of our district’s focus on mental health awareness and student well-being.
“Seasonal depression is a big thing that students will feel during this time,” said Walnut Grove High School Hope Squad and National Hope Squad Council member, Brayden Dean. “Sometimes students feel like school is their main social interaction, and when we’re not here for a week or two, that can be a very big contributing factor to their everyday life.”
Peers nominate Hope Squad members for being caring, approachable, and trustworthy. They help create a school environment where students look after one another and where it feels easier to reach out when something doesn’t feel right.
Members are trained to notice when someone may be struggling and to connect them with a Hope Squad advisor or campus counselor. Students can reach out to a member at any time, whether they need someone to talk to or are concerned about a friend.
“Admitting that you are struggling is the hardest part for a lot of students,” Dean said. “Being confident in what you’re truly feeling and finding someone that you are willing to talk to can make a humongous difference in your mental health journey.”
Support is also available for families. Any student, parent, or staff member can contact their campus counselor to get help or connect with community resources. All Campus Prosper ISD staff members are trained in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), a suicide prevention program that works alongside Hope Squad and helps adults know how to respond and connect students to support.
“I think Hope Squad does a really good job at making people feel seen and valued,” Dean said. “Families can incorporate that and use peer-to-peer connections and relationships that students make inside of school, outside of school as well.”
Prosper ISD also partners with Children’s Health to offer free, short-term counseling. Parents can complete a referral to connect their child with a mental health professional, who can provide counseling and help link families to additional support.
Hope Squad members remind us that small conversations and simple check-ins matter, especially during the winter season. We are grateful for the students and staff who help ensure that no one has to face challenges alone. Families are encouraged to reach out to their campus counselor anytime support is needed.
If you would like to support our Hope Squads, please donate to the Prosper Education Foundation. Every dollar donated helps fund this life-saving program on our campuses that helps keep our community safe.
If you or someone you know needs support over the break, these crisis helplines are available 24/7. For urgent situations, always call 911.
tip411, an internet-based communication system used to enhance student safety, also allows Prosper ISD students and community members to anonymously report safety concerns, but it should not be used for active emergencies. To send a tip via text message to Prosper ISD text the keyword (PISDTIP) and your tip to 847411.
