The week of Sept. 20-24 is Start With Hello week at Pioneer Middle School.
Principal Melissa Prorok said the purpose of Start With Hello is to help the middle school become a more connected and inclusive community. "The hope is that our students will become more aware and help those around them who feel isolated," she said.
Start With Hello is an initiative of the Sandy Hook Promise.
The following daily themes will be observed:
Monday, Sept. 20: Lift Each Other Up Day. Each student will be given a feather and think about ways they can lift up other students at school. Students can write these down on the feather.All the feathers will be assembled into a mural near the library.
Tuesday, Sept. 21: We Are All Connected. Students watch a video on connecting, then are given a piece of construction paper on which they can write down one way to connect with one another at school. The strips are connected to make a huge paper chain that will be displayed.
Wednesday, Sept. 22: Say Hi, Hello or Hey Day. Students are given a 'Hello, My Name Is' name tag they will wear throughout the day. Students are encourage to step outside their comfort zone and greet the people they see by name throughout the day.
Thursday, Sept. 23: Make a Panther Smile. Students and staff will be asked to wear green/Pioneer gear to show Panther pride and support for Start With Hello.
Friday, Sept. 24: Color the School With Kindness. After viewing a video, students are asked to complete a Kindness Coloring Sheet, which will be displayed in classroom to remind everyone to be kind to each other.
Loneliness is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, and social isolation is not having frequent interactions with friends. Young people who feel this way may pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development, or choose to hurt themselves or others.
Due to COVID-19, all students can empathize with the feelings of isolation due to physical and social distancing. Start With Hello is an important social and emotional learning program to reintroduce students to the power of connecting and helping one another.