“Start with Hello Week” helps students create positive atmosphere

“Start with Hello Week” helps students create positive atmosphere

Students at Blind Brook Middle/High School have begun the new school year with a special reminder about how to create a positive atmosphere at the school and it begins with “Start with Hello Week,” which runs from Sept. 16-20. 

The concept began with the Sandy Hook Promise, which helps support students and staff become more connected with one another.

“The goal is for schools to foster a culture of inclusivity and empathy in order to reduce bullying and increase connections,” the Sandy Hook Promise website states.

The week-long activities begin with students learning how to recognize when others are lonely or socially isolated, finding ways to help others feel included and techniques to start up a conversation.

“For this year's SWH Week, we hosted lunchtime activities that are focused on creating an environment where students can form new connections as well as recognize the trusted adults within their school community,” said Ashley Schlemmer, BBMS/HS Student Assistance Counselor.

“Some of our activities include writing conversation starters onto paper links to create a chain of ways in which people can engage with one another; creating Hello-Grams, with positive messages for students to share with their peers; wearing green to demonstrate solidarity and unity with the Sandy Hook Promise; writing letters of gratitude to trusted adults or completing a treasure hunt to locate spaces where students can find trusted adults; and finally, ending the week with a pledge to keep the Start with Hello spirit going throughout the year,” she said.