Howard Gardner MI Charter School
Aevidum Team Orientation
On Wednesday, March 4th, twelve middle school students proudly represented our school at a New Aevidum Team Orientation hosted by the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit 19. Howard Gardner School and Abington Heights Middle School were officially welcomed into a growing regional network of students and educators committed to fostering cultures of care, connection, and belonging across Northeastern Pennsylvania. IU Program Specialist for Social and Emotional Wellness, Erin Pencek, led an interactive day focused on youth mental health and the foundations and four pillars of Aevidum. The experience provided students with opportunities to collaborate and exchange ideas for school-wide initiatives.
The HGS team demonstrated strong student voice and leadership—actively participating in breakout sessions, collaborating enthusiastically with peers from Abington Heights, and embodying both STAR behavior and Aevidum values throughout the day. Middle School Counselor Zach Kenney and School Social Worker Megan Boettcher accompanied the group and returned energized and motivated to further expand Aevidum’s message within our school community. Currently operating as an after-school enrichment program, Aevidum also offers flexible opportunities for student engagement beyond regular meeting times, including participation in awareness campaigns and regional initiatives.
In addition, our students independently initiated a meaningful act of kindness while at the IU. Prior to the event, they decorated clothespins with handwritten positive messages and throughout the day, discreetly pinned them onto fellow participants, IU staff members, and visitors to the IU including superintendents from across IU19 and IU18 for their superintendents’ meeting. As the notes were discovered, many individuals sought out our students to express their appreciation, sharing how the unexpected messages brightened their day. This spontaneous campaign beautifully reflected Aevidum’s mission in action and showcased the compassion and leadership of our Howard Gardner students.
Aevidum, founded by students at a Pennsylvania high school, has grown into a nationwide student-led movement with hundreds of school-based clubs. The name, derived from Latin roots and coined by its founding students, means “I’ve got your back.” At its core, Aevidum builds supportive school communities by raising awareness of mental health and reducing stigma. Its mission promotes open communication and peer support while upholding acceptance of all students, acknowledgement of individual needs, appreciation of challenges, and care demonstrated through meaningful action.