Welcome Students Back to School and Start With Hello!

Want a fun, free and easy way to create a culture of inclusion that values each individual at your school?… Start With Hello! This program teaches students to make a difference with their peers in a simple, fun, and impactful way. They take small but powerful actions to promote connectedness and inclusion, and to identify and help lonely students who are showing signs of social isolation.

Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely or treated like you are invisible. Young people who feel this way may pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development, or choose to hurt themselves or others.

Sign up for Start With Hello Week!

 

 

When is Start With Hello Week?

Thousands of schools and youth organizations across the United States will participate in Start With Hello Week in the fall each year. When you sign up, you’re bringing attention to the growing epidemic of social isolation and building empathy in the classroom.

 

Who can participate in the event?

Whether your school or youth organization has participated in Start With Hello in the past, or has just learned about it, this is the perfect opportunity to welcome students back to school – and to empower students in sustaining a culture of inclusiveness and connectedness throughout the school year.

You can also share Start With Hello with your community. Use this sample email and sample letter to the editor to invite schools and youth organizations in your community to participate in Start With Hello Week.

 

What happens during Start With Hello Week?

Start With Hello Week raises awareness about social isolation and educates students and the community on how to prevent it through: Start With Hello trainings, awareness, activities, public proclamations, media events, student contests and school awards. Watch the video to see some highlights.

 

What resources are available?

Educational materials and support from Sandy Hook Promise are available to schools, youth-serving organizations and others at no cost, thanks to the generosity of our donors.

Start With Hello Week Planning Guide: Download this newly updated, no-cost and easy-to-implement planning guide that provides you with ideas, activities and templates your school or youth organization can do in as little as an hour during Start With Hello Week. Once you register, you’ll have access to educational and promotional materials. What’s more, you’ll get weekly tips and updates on how to plan a successful event.

 

How can we recognize student participation?

Start With Hello Student Voices Contest: Encourage your students to enter their creative submissions in our Start With Hello Student Voices Contest.

Start With Hello School Award: All schools and youth organizations participating in Start With Hello Week are eligible to apply for a Start With Hello Award.

 

What languages are the materials available in?

Start With Hello materials are available in Spanish, Haitian Creole (Kreyòl), Portuguese and Vietnamese! To receive the materials, please sign up to participate in Start With Hello Week.

 

Sign Up Now for Start With Hello Week!