At Sanford Middle School, things are looking brighter these days by way of yellow tulips in the front of the school!
8th grader Gianna Garneau from the JMG program had an idea in 7th grade to spread some kindness and positivity. She collaborated with the Yellow Tulip Project from Portland, Maine, a nationally recognized mental
health awareness initiative. She became an ambassador for this program in Maine and brought it to Sanford.
In October, the school counseling team and SMS Sources of Strength peer leaders planted about 40 tulip bulbs when it was dark and cold out, signifying people's struggles with mental health concerns.
The idea was to hold onto hope through the hard winter, knowing things can improve with a bit of hope and help from others. This spring, SMS students checked the tulips weekly to ensure they were growing.
Last Friday, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the counseling team coordinated gathering the student helping groups at SMS- Sources of Strength, Student Leadership Team, Civil Rights Team, JMG, and
YANA - You Are Not Alone, a 5th grade club, along with the SMS Band and Chorus.
We are proud of all our SMS students do to support one another through the ups and downs of middle school.