Students at Detroit High School and Middle School will see some uplifting words of encouragement the next time they walk into the cafeteria, thanks to a new encouragement wall.
“I just want students to know that they are loved, and although today might be tough, someone is thinking about them, and tomorrow might be brighter,” said Kim Story with Communities in Schools – Detroit ISD. “A while back, I posted 6-10 positive affirmations around the mirrors in the bathrooms, but I wanted this to be bigger and let students select the encouragement that they need at just the right moment.”
Story said her intention is for students to take the encouragement they need off the wall and keep it in their locker, folder, or at home.
“Student’s mental health is a big concern for CIS. It is not an issue that is just at Detroit ISD; this is a widespread issue. With the isolation of COVID and the world-changing how we deal daily, mental health issues are on the rise. Everyone needs some encouragement, not just students,” she said.
Story said she stayed up till midnight one-night finding positive quotes to print and, with Kiley Miller’s help, who works with CIS part-time, finished the wall on Friday.
Going live on the Detroit Communities in Schools Facebook page, Story asked those in the community or churches to write encouraging notes to be hung at the schools for students to take.
On Monday, the Hanna4Hope organization, which takes a multi-pronged approach to addressing teen suicide, will be speaking to students at Detroit.
“We are really battling self-esteem, depression, and self-harm. I am working to bring awareness and support to students, so they know that it is ok not to be ok sometimes, but there is help,” said Story.
Those interested in writing notes of encouragement can contact Kim Story at kstory@detroiteagles.net.
To learn more about Hanna4Hope, click here.
