By Michael Kormos
Mkormos@cisd.org
Collins Intermediate School recently launched a Hope Squad, expanding the peer-led mental health support program following a successful rollout at Corsicana Middle School last year.
The program trains student volunteers to recognize signs of emotional distress and connect classmates with trusted adults.
“Since this is the first year implementing Hope Squad, we chose to focus on our sixth-grade students as a starting point, with plans to include fifth graders in the future,” said Sandra Douglas, Hope Squad advisor and campus emotional support counselor.
Members are selected through a peer-nomination process, identifying classmates already seen as kind, trustworthy, and approachable. Students say the model addresses a real gap.
“Some kids just don’t like talking to teachers about personal problems,” sixth grader Addison Fonseca said.
Classmate Mia Aspeitia agreed.
“Some kids want to talk to other kids instead of adults. I think sometimes it’s healthier for them to communicate with people their own age,” she said
Research confirms that students in crisis are significantly more likely to confide in peers than adults.
Training focuses on age-appropriate cues: noticing when a friend seems withdrawn, doing simple check-ins, and knowing when to involve an adult. Members are reminded they are not counselors.
“It’s better to go to an adult, because kids can’t really handle all that pressure,” sixth grader Bennett Gordon said. “You’re just trying to make them comfortable enough to get some help.”
Clear boundaries and regular check-ins keep the experience manageable for squad members, Douglas said.
“By keeping expectations developmentally appropriate and reinforcing that adults are always responsible for handling serious concerns, we help ensure students can participate in a positive and healthy way,” she said.
Hope Squad is part of a broader support network that includes the Alongside mental health app, the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine program, and local community resources.
“We want every student on our campus to know they matter, they belong, and there is always someone ready to listen and help,” Douglas said.
More information is available at hopesquad.com. Parents with questions may contact Douglas through the Collins Intermediate campus office.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988, or text TALK to 741741.