Start with Hello Week: Building a Kinder, More Inclusive School Community

The week of September 15th, our school proudly participated in Start with Hello Week, a nationwide initiative created by Sandy Hook Promise. The program is designed to teach students the power of small but meaningful actions that help to create a more inclusive and connected school community.

Our guidance counselors, Mrs. Barba and Mrs. Szast played an important role in making this week a success. They provided teachers with meaningful classroom activities that helped students practice kindness and inclusion in age-appropriate ways. Counselors also organized Start with Hello options during recess, where students could take part in fun activities that encouraged teamwork, friendship, and reaching out to new classmates.

By participating in Start with Hello Week, our students learned that a simple greeting or friendly gesture can make a big difference in someone’s day. These lessons don’t end with the week—they are reminders we carry with us throughout the school year as we continue to build a safe, welcoming, and supportive school environment for all.

Together, we can make sure every student feels seen, included, and valued—one “hello” at a time.