Start with Hello

 

 

Next week, the Missituk will be initiating the Start with Hello Week. Everyone is encouraged to participate in each day's activities.

On Monday September 15, Be Seen in Green: Wear GREEN today to spread the message!

On Tuesday, Talk-O Tuesday: Greet people by their name or simply say, “HELLO!”

On Wednesday, Put a Cap on It: Wear your favorite hat today. Let’s make everyone feel like they
belong and put a CAP on bullying.

On Thursday, Compliment Confetti: Giving compliments is kind and is a great way to make a new
friend! Give a compliment to everybody you see today.

On Friday, Promise to Connect: Wear any Mustang spirit gear or anything navy blue and white to
show we are all connected and united.

What is it?

About the Start With Hello Program: Start with Hello is an initiative started by the community of Sandy Hook Elementary.

This evidence-informed program includes flexible training options and a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Start With Hello creates a culture of kindness and belonging for elementary, middle, and high school students. The program is designed around three goals, which are accomplished using the program's framework and reinforced throughout the program cycle.

Goals

The three goals of the Start With Hello program are to teach students how to:

• Recognize loneliness and social isolation in their peers
• Help their peers who may be lonely and/or socially isolated
• Grow an empathetic and inclusive community

Program Framework

The goals are accomplished using our three-step program framework:

1. See Someone Alone: Learn to understand social isolation, empathize with those who may feel alone, learn how "healthy alone time" is different, and emphasize the importance of connection.
2. Reach Out and Help: Develop strategies for connecting with others and ways to alleviate anxiety about reaching out.
3. "Start with Hello": Apply methods to include others, build lasting relationships and support a connected and inclusive school and community.