This week our elementary schools are marking Start With Hello, a week-long initiative from Sandy Hook Promise to create new connections and a sense of belonging among kids in three easy steps.

 

 

At Pakanasink, students and staff have different events each day and wear a specific color each day. On Monday, the color was blue and the step 1 activity included figuring out what students can do if they see someone alone.

Tuesday was purple day and everyone in the building wore a name tag, encouraging everyone to say hi by name to someone they didn’t know. That is step 2.

On Wednesday, PAK was awash in green as students learned conversation starters. Lunch tables had some suggested questions to ask to get to know new friends or learn more about kids who are currently friends. That is step 3.

 

 

Students had fun with the questions. If you had a super power, what would it be? One answer – be able to talk to animals! Now that is a super power! Other questions were about pets and hobbies. The students learned they have so much in common with each other.

Assistant Principal Colleen Delles talked to the students in their lunch classes about the importance of getting to know each other and sharing who we are.

 

 

The different colors being worn during the week, she explained, is to celebrate our diversity. And the fourth-graders in this particular lunch period were quick to point out the different shades of green being worn and how beautiful they all are.

Thursday is red day and students will go over the three steps from earlier in the week. Friday is Show and Tell Day, where students will dress in cool outfits that tell people who they are, even without using their words. The goal is for new friendships to be formed and kids to be comfortable with themselves and talking to others.

 

From the Sandy Hook Promise website: Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Their intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning their tragedy into a moment of transformation. By empowering youth to “know the signs” and uniting all people who value the protection of children, they can take meaningful actions in schools, homes, and communities to prevent gun violence and stop the tragic loss of life.to making new social connections and creating a sense of belonging among youth.