Start with Hello week is coming to Centennial the last week of September. It is a prevention program from Sandy Hook Promise that helps to teach children to be more connected and include others. The program specifically targets social isolation which can contribute to things like depression and increased risk for being bullied.
The program teaches 3 simple steps to include others:
- See Someone Alone
- Reach Out and Help
- Start with Hello
The week will begin with a kick-off assembly on Monday morning. Spirit Days are planned with different themes to encourage students to reach out and talk with someone new. Students will be given opportunities to practice important life skills like how to introduce yourself to someone you don't know. Plus, we are going to have lots and lots of fun!
What can parents do? Show your support by asking your child about how they are participating in the activities at school. Talk about how to look for signs that someone might be lonely or feeling isolated. Participate along with your child - parents can try to reach out to someone new each day too, and then families can share with each other what happened. Have a friendly contest to see who can reach out to the most people during the week.
Reaching out not only helps children who feel isolated, but also aids the person offering the helping hand. Having empathy for others increases a child's feeling of being capable and confident. These are protective traits that help to make kids more resilient.
SPIRIT WEEK
Monday – “No One Eats Alone Day”
- Use the icebreaker cards on the tables at lunch to get to know each other, even kids from other classes and grades!
- Wear yellow and green, the colors of Start with Hello Week.
- Wear your start with hello name tag and say Hi to everyone!
- Wear an article of clothing displaying something important about you. Reach out to others to ask about what they chose to wear.
- Go out of your way to do something kind for someone else