be nice. Schools

be nice. Schools

be nice. is an evidence-based,
K-12 systematic approach to behavioral and mental health education and awareness.

The be nice. program is a district-wide initiative to be implemented year after year. Repetition creates familiarity making the be nice. action plan common language. The goal is for students, school and support staff, and families to feel comfortable talking openly and honestly about mental health. It’s proven that be nice. students are more apt to utilize resources if they are struggling or let a trusted adult know if they’re worried about a friend.

Evidence reports the implementation of the be nice. program:

  • Increases mental health awareness and resources available among staff, students, and parents
  • Decreases the number of behavioral referrals and bullying incidents
  • Increase in suicide prevention behaviors
  • Increase in school connectedness
  • Movement of school district towards a more positive school climate.
  • This program works best when there is support from the top down.

The program is designed to be age-appropriate and grow with students as they develop. As they mature, so does the subject matter.

be nice. Elementary School


The elementary program is centered around be nice. liaisons. The liaisons can be school staff, teachers and/or parents from your school. The number of liaisons you have at your building is up to you! The liaisons will make decisions on how best to launch be nice. in your school and will hold your school accountable in sustaining the program. This level takes a classroom approach to learn about mental health.

be nice. Middle and High School


The middle and high school program leverages the enthusiasm of your students to make a change in your school. The program is centered around a group of student leaders who, with the help of a few motivated trained liaisons, plan, launch, and sustain the be nice. initiative at your school.

be nice. extension


This program uses the action plan as an interactive 4-class series to help students recognize the symptoms of depression and the warning signs of suicide in themselves, a friend or family member. The curriculum is designed to help young people who may be personally affected by mental illness to get past the stigma and seek treatment. This program creates resiliency.

Quotes from be nice. Students:

enhance your program with the be nice. book

Book Web3

Within these pages, readers will find authentic, real-life examples and practical applications for mental health concerns using the proven methods of the be nice. program.

Interested in launching the be nice. program in your school? Contact us for more information!

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Contact the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan

160 68th St. SW Suite 120
Grand Rapids, MI 49548


info@benice.org | 616.389.8601

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