IN Ross Township Winter 2018 | Page 44

“Start with Hello Week” Introduces NHSD Students to New Inclusion Programs and Curriculum from Sandy Hook Promise S tarting this school year, North Hills School District will now utilize inclusion programs including “Start with Hello” and “Say Something” aligned with Sandy Hook Promise, a national non- profit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The programs and their related curriculum were introduced districtwide to students during “Start with Hello Week.” “Start with Hello Week” helped students gain the skills they need to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness, and encourage them to reach out to and include those who may 42 ROSS TOWNSHIP be dealing with chronic social isolation. Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely or treated like you are invisible. Young people who feel this way may pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development, or choose to hurt themselves or others. The “Start with Hello” program enables students to make a difference with their peers in a simple, fun and impactful way by encouraging them to take small but powerful actions to promote connectedness and inclusion, and to identify and help others who are showing signs of social isolation. During “Start with Hello Week” at our elementary schools, students took part: • Classroom-level lessons with engaging icebreakers • Random Acts of Kindness Day