What is Start With Hello Week?!?

Loneliness is the overwhelming feeling of being left out and social isolation is not having frequent interactions with friends. Young people who feel this way may pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development, or choose to hurt themselves or others. Due to COVID-19, all students can empathize with the feelings of isolation due to physical and social distancing. Start With Hello is an important social and emotional learning program to reintroduce students to the power of connecting and helping one another.

https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/our-programs/start-with-hello/start-with-hello-week/

On our campus and in our classrooms, we always want to promote inclusivity of all. No one should ever feel alone, left out, or excluded. WE are the ones who are responsible for making sure this happens. WE are the ones who have to take action to support one another and create a welcoming environment. So let's think of ways we can do this.

Roots and Tree Trunk:

Use the Inclusivi-Tree Handout. (Also a preview of the document below.)

In and along the tree roots and trunk, write down actions you will take and goals you have to...

• Reach out to other students

• Make connections with classmates who have different identities, ethnicities, skills, and interests than you

• Use inclusive language

• Be a proactive citizen in building a school community where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

For example: Each Friday, I will reach-out to a new classmate and invite them to lunch. I will use the time to connect to the student and learn about our similarities and differences when it comes to identity, ethnicity, background, and interests.