# startwithhello #sandyhookpromise Logo taken from the Start with Hello website

What is the Sandy Hook Promise? “Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national, nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 141, 2012. SHP’s sole purpose is to education and empower parents, schools, and community organizations on how to prevent gun violence BEFORE it happens by providing mental health & wellness early-identification and intervention programs, gun safety storage practices and advocating for sensible state and federal violence prevention policy.” -Start with Hello Educator’s Guide

Objectives To teach students to: See someone alone Reach out and help Start with hello

SEE SOMEONE ALONE “Students will work to understand social isolation, identify and empathize with those who may feel socially isolated, and recognize the importance of connecting with people who feel socially isolated” -Start with Hello Educator’s Guide

REACH OUT AND HELP “Students will discuss strategies for connecting with others and brainstorm ways to combat anxiety about reaching out.” -Start with Hello Educator’s Guide Students will take part in guided discussions answering questions that might include What are the best ways to connect with someone? How can I connect with someone if i am feeling awkward or uncomfortable about connecting? How can I regularly connect with people who are feeling socially isolated? Students will also take part in icebreaker activities to assist with learning to include everyone

START WITH HELLO “Students will discuss methods to build lasting relationships with others and pledge to help end social isolation and build a connected and inclusive community.” -Start with Hello Educator’s Guide Students will work with staff and administrators to comprise some student activities that will promote the “Start with Hello” program. Examples could include Lunch time “Meet and Greets” A “Get Caught Saying Hello” event Creating Start with Hello posters and announcements

Start with Hello Continued... Students will discuss ways to combat social isolation through discussion questions, such as How can I include someone who feels socially isolated? Why should I “start with hello?” What are some things I can say to someone in order to connect with them? How do I continue with that conversation? How I can be a leader in working to end social isolation in our school?

A Sandy Hook Promise Video https://www.youtube.com/wat ch?v=A8syQeFtBKc

A video from Burnet Middle School https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzMVHl4f13o&feature=youtu.be Published 2/1/18

Who gets trained? Teachers and staff who choose to Students- This year we will start with the student leadership team

Then What? The student leadership team will decide on some events that the school can take part in. Examples include: Hey Day- Everyone in the building wears a name tag and addresses each other by name No one eats alone day Scavenger Hunt Mixed Grade Social Mixed up lunch tables

Call to Action Week September 23-27 Could be comprised of teacher led activities, student led activities, and school wide activities Each day could have a theme (i.e. Random Act of Kindness Day, Superhero Day, Green Day, School Spirit Day, Positive Message Day)

Thoughts and Suggestions What do you think?

Start with Hello #startwithhello #sandyhookpromise #PMSPRIDE **For more information go to the Start with Hello website- https://www.sandyhookpromise.org