On November 12, 2024, student leaders and staff liaisons from Hillside and Meads Mill Middle Schools attended the Be Nice Symposium at Detroit’s iconic Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions. The event brought together over 570 student leaders and mentors from across Michigan, all united in their mission to prioritize mental health and create supportive school communities.
The Be Nice program, which stands for Notice, Invite, Challenge, and Empower, is a Tier 1 mental health action plan that aligns seamlessly with Second Step, PBIS, and Unified initiatives. Now in its second year of implementation at Northville’s middle schools, Be Nice offers students opportunities to step into leadership roles while promoting mental health awareness and wellness across their schools.
At the symposium, participants explored strategies to strengthen the program’s presence within their school communities. The event featured sessions such as Empowering Connections, Self-Care, Trivia Challenge, and Empowering YOUth with Eric Hipple and Mindful Peer Tech. These interactive workshops provided attendees with tools to deepen their understanding of mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and build connections within their school environments.
By attending the symposium and actively implementing the Be Nice principles, Northville’s middle school leaders are taking meaningful steps toward creating inclusive, supportive school environments where mental health conversations are normalized, and resources are accessible to all.
Shoutout to all the incredible student leaders and staff who are making a difference at Hillside and Meads Mill! Together, they are building a community that Notices, Invites, Challenges, and Empowers—one action at a time.
To learn more, visit the be nice website.
