Start With Hello is a program sponsored by the Sandy Hook Promise that works to help put an end to social isolation among children and teenagers. Traditionally taking place between September 20th and 24th, Start With Hello Week urges schools to participate and help put an end to loneliness and bring students together through acts of kindness. It teaches students inclusivity and empathy, empowering young people to spread kindness via their actions and words. According to the Sandy Hook Promise it only takes three simple steps to help create a safer and more pleasant learning environment:
- Learn how to identify signs of loneliness in others.
- Educate yourself on what you can do to help promote unity and make others feel more included.
- Start a pleasant interaction and say hello!
So what did Steinbrenner do to help get in on the action? Steinbrenner Senate is worked hard to bring Steinbrenner together. After a school year where many students were forced to isolate and could not attend classes in person due to COVID-19 this years Start With Hello Week was important in helping to rebuild the sense of unity the warriors have shared in years past.
This year, senate had set up an exciting schedule to help kick off Start With Hello Week! Monday through Tuesday senate worked to collect Hello gram that were to be given to their peers, in addition, on Tuesday kids helped to fill out Post-it notes that decorated the hallways and were given cookies. Wednesday was a school wide green out to help promote awareness for Start With Hello! Thursday’s theme was bright colors and Friday was Steinbrenner spirit wear day.
Overall, Start with Hello is a program that everyone benefits from. By helping to spread awareness about the damaging effects of social isolation we can help promote safety and tolerance. Ensuring Steinbrenner is a positive environment conducive to all, and all it takes is a few small acts of kindness or the willingness to bring others together by simply starting with hello.
Zoey Lind // Staff Writer