start with hello week planning guide february 8 - 12, … welcome letter and purpose of start with...
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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideFebruary8-12,2016
AnInitiativefromSandyHookPromisewww.sandyhookpromise.org
Forquestions,pleaseemail:[email protected]
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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideFebruary8–12,2016TableofContentsWelcomeLetter Page3StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuide Pages4-13
• Step1:GettingStarted• Step2:IdeasforStudentParticipation• Step3:IdeasforCreativityandOwnership• Step4:IdeasforCommunityReach• Step5:IdeasforSustainability• Step6:ReportingBackandStartWithHelloAward
StartWithHelloWeekResources Pages14-24
• SampleStartWithHelloinaDayPlan• SampleStartWithHelloinaWeekPlan• SampleStartWithHelloPressRelease• SampleStartWithHelloLettertotheEditor• SampleStartWithHelloWeekEmail/LettertoParents/Caretakers• SampleStartWithHelloWeekSocialMediaPosts• SampleStartWithHelloProclamationforCommunityLeaders
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WelcomeLetterandPurposeofStartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideIneveryschoolandineverycommunitythereareyoungpeoplewhosuffersilentlybecausetheyfeelleftout,aloneorinvisible.SocialisolationisagrowingepidemicintheUnitedStatesandwithinourschools.Excessivefeelingsofisolationcanbeassociatedwithviolentandsuicidalbehavior.Infact,onestudyreportsthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofanearlydeathby14%.Furthermore,youngpeoplewhoareisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepression.Asaresult,manyfurtherpullawayfromsociety,strugglewithlearningandsocialdevelopmentand/orchoosetohurtthemselvesorothers.StartWithHello(SWH)WeekraisesawarenessandeducatesstudentsandthecommunitythroughStartWithHellotrainings,advertising,activities,publicproclamations,mediaevents,contestsandawards.ByparticipatinginStartWithHelloWeekthisFebruary8–12,youwilljoinhundredsofschoolsandyouthorganizationsfromacrosstheUnitedStatestoempoweryoungpeopletocreateacultureofinclusionandconnectedness!ThisStartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideprovidesno-costandeasytoimplementideasforyourStartWithHelloWeekactivities.Wehavecompiledideasandbestpractices–manyofwhichhavecomefromschoolsandyouthorganizationslikeyoursfromacrossthecountry–tomakeyourplanningandimplementationeasier.WhetheryouareabletodedicateanhourortwoduringStartWithHelloWeekorimplementStartWithHelloactivitieseverydaythroughouttheweek,thisPlanningGuideofferseasytoimplementandno-costideasthatcanhelpyoureachstudentsandcommunitymembersalike,aswellasincorporatetheenergy,creativityandownershipofyoungpeople.Alongwithsamplesandtemplates,wehaveincludedideasonhowyourschooloryouthorganizationcancontinuetocarryStartWithHelloforwardtocreatearealandlastingcultureofkindnessandinclusion.Webelievethatthebestwaytoimplementsustainedchangeistoletyoungpeopleleadthecharge!ThankyouforjoininghundredsofschoolsandyouthorganizationsfromacrossthecountrytobringStartWithHelloWeekandthepowerofinclusion,connectednessandbelongingtomoreyoungpeople.Inadditiontoyoungpeople,youreffortswillbenefiteducators,administrators,communitybasedorganizations,communitymembersandparents.Bybuildingacultureofinclusionandconnectedness,schoolsandcommunitiescanbettersupporttheiryoungpeopleandreducetheirriskofbullying,violenceanddepression.Sincerely,MarkBarden(Daniel’sDad)&NicoleHockley(Dylan’sMom)ManagingDirectors,SandyHookPromise
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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideStep1:GettingStartedThefirststeptoplanningyourStartWithHelloWeekismakingsureyourschooloryouthorganizationisofficiallysignedupandregisteredforStartWithHelloWeekwithSandyHookPromise.OfficiallyregisteringforStartWithHelloWeekassuresyougettimelyStartWithHelloWeekupdatesandhaveaccesstoimportanttools,includingtheno-cost,downloadableStartWithHelloprogram.Ifyouhaven’tyet,pleaseregisterat:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhelloweekOnceyouareofficiallyregistered,youwillreceiveanemailthatwillincludealinktoourStartWithHelloprogramandresources.TheseresourcesareavailableatnocosttohelpyouteachyoungpeoplehowtoStartWithHello.PleasenotethattheseresourceswillbeavailableandemailedtoyouinearlyJanuary2016.• StartWithHelloPowerPointPresentation:SandyHookPromiseofferstwoversions
oftheStartWithHelloPowerPointpresentation–oneforelementaryschoolagestudentsandoneformiddleandhighschoolstudents.TheSWHpresentationcanbedeliveredinaslittleas20-minutesorextendedto40-minutestoallowmoretimeforpracticeanddiscussion.
• StartWithHelloDiscussionandActivityGuideforEducatorsandClassrooms:This
quickandeasy-to-useguideisdesignedtoassistadulteducatorsinfacilitatingdiscussionsandongoingactivitiestoreducesocialisolationandcreateaconnectedandinclusiveclassroom,schoolandcommunity.Itincludesideas,activitiesandresourcesforsupportingyoungpeopleincarryingoutStartWithHellobothduringStartWithHelloWeekandthroughouttheyear.
• StartWithHelloStudentResourceGuide:Thisquickandeasy-to-useguideis
designedtoassiststudents,youthambassadorsandpeerleadersinimplementingStartWithHello.Itincludesideas,activitiesandresourcesthatyoungpeoplecandoduringStartWithHelloWeekandthroughouttheyear.
• StartWithHelloParentResourceGuide:TheStartWithHelloParentResourceGuideisaquickandeasy-to-implementguidethatparentsandcaretakerscanuse–andthatschoolsandyouthorganizationscangivetoparents–tohelpcontinueStartWithHelloathome.
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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuide
Step2:IdeasforStudentParticipationYoungpeoplehavethepowertoseesomeoneisolated,reachoutandStartWithHelloinordertoreducesocialisolationandfosteramoreconnectedandinclusiveclassroom,schoolandcommunity.Assuchit’simportantthatStartWithHelloreacheseveryyoungpersoninyourschooloryouthorganization,aseachyoungpersonhasthepowertomakeadifference,makeanewfriendorsavealife.
ThefollowingideascanhelpyouincorporatestudentparticipationasanintegralandvitalpartofyourStartWithHelloWeekplanningandimplementation.Ifyouandtheyoungpeopleyouworkwithhaveadditionalideas,we’dlovetohearthemandsharethemwithothers!Pleaseemailusat:[email protected]
• Hostbigandsmalleventsthroughouttheweek,thiscouldincludeclassroomdiscussions,lunchconversations,allschoolassembliesordailymorningannouncementsabouttheimportanceofStartWithHello
• ParticipateinNoOneEatsAloneDayonFebruary12th.*NoOneEatsAloneDayisaprogramfromBeyondDifferences.NoOneEatsAloneDaywillbeheldnationallythisyearonFebruary12,duringSandyHookPromise’sStartWithHelloWeek.MoreaboutNoOneEatsAloneDayandBeyondDifferences,anorganizationalfriendtoSandyHookPromise,canbefoundat:http://www.nooneeatsalone.org
• InvolveandencouragestaffandyouthleaderstoincorporateandmodelStartWithHellokeymessages,storiesandactivitiesintoextracurricularactivitiesduringStartWithHelloWeek,suchasmessagesfromcoaches,bandinstructors,dramateachers,studentcouncil,nationalhonorsocietyandotherstudentclubs.
• Organizea“randomactsofkindnessday”aspartofStartWithHelloWeekandencourageallyoungpeopleandadultswithinyourschooloryouthorganizationtogooutoftheirwaytodosomethingniceforsomeoneelse.
• Setupinformationaltablesatalreadyscheduledschoolactivities,programsandeventsthatpromoteandincorporatetheicebreakerideasfromStartWithHellopresentation.
• Encouragelanguageclasses,suchasSpanish,French,ChineseorSignLanguagetoteachotherstudentshowtosay“hello”indifferentlanguages.
• Considerchangingseatingchartsintheclassroomorduringlunchtogivestudentsachancetomeetandtalktosomeonenew.
• Lookforwaystopairstudentstogether,suchasgroupprojectsorlearningorhomeworkassignments.
• HostaStartWithHellodanceparty.
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Promote&Recognize• Askteachers,administratorsorotherstudentstowritequickthank-younotesto
studentsinrecognitionoftheireffortstoStartWithHello.• CreateaStartWithHellowallwhereeverystudentcansigntheirnameorwrite
“Hello”toindicatetheircommitmenttoreachoutandconnectwithsomeonetheyseeisolated.
• Organizea“WearGreenDay”tofurtherpromoteawarenessandcallattentiontoSandyHookPromise’sStartWithHelloWeek.
• HangStartWithHellopostersaroundtheschool/youthorganizationorencouragestudentstocreatetheirownStartWithHelloposters.YoucandownloadandprintStartWithHellopostersfromSandyHookPromiseat:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhelloweek.
• OrderStartWithHellostickersorwristbandsforstudentstowear.YoucanorderthesematerialsonlinefromSandyHookPromiseatno-costwhilesupplieslastwhenyousignupforStartWithHelloWeek.
• AskstudentstocomeupwiththeirownideasandactivitiesofhowtoStartWithHelloortoreflectonhowitmightfeeltobeisolated,lonelyortreatedasifyouwereinvisibleasaclassroomorhomeworkassignment.
• PlaceStartWithHelloads,postsandarticlesintheschoolnewspaperoronyoursocialmediasitesorwebpage.
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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideStep3:IdeasforCreativityandOwnershipOneofthebestwaystoempoweryoungpeopletoStartWithHelloandtobethecatalystofchangeintheirschools,youthorganizationsandcommunityistoletthemleadthecharge.Encourageyoungpeopletotaketheleadandaddtheirownuniquevoice,storiesandperspectivetoStartWithHelloWeek.ThefollowingideasareheretohelpyouencourageyouthcreativityandownershipintoyourStartWithHelloWeekplanningandimplementation.Ifyouandtheyoungpeopleyouworkwithhaveadditionalideas,we’dlovetohearthemandsharethemwithothers!Pleaseemailusat:[email protected]
Events
• HostameetingbeforeStartWithHelloWeektogetideasfromstudentsandstaffalikeonhowyourschoolcansupportyoungpeopleintheirStartWithHelloactivities.
• Reachouttoexistingstudentgroups,suchasstudentcivicgroups,studentleadershipgroupsandstudentart,music,AVorjournalistclubstogettheirideasandidentifywaystheywanttousetheirtalentstopromoteStartWithHelloWeek.
• AskstudentstopresentportionsoftheStartWithHelloprogram,demonstrateorpracticetheStartWithHelloicebreakersorleadStartWithHellodiscussionsintheclassroomoratanassemblyorextracurricularevent.
• Askstudentambassadorsorstudentleaderstoorganizeascavengerhuntorcontestbyencouragingtheirpeerstolearnnewthingsaboutotherswithintheirschooloryouthorganization.
• Organizea“GettoKnowMe”or“StartWithHelloSuperHero”daywherestudentscandressupandexpresswhatmakesthemunique.
• Giveeachstudentstickynotesandaskthemtowriteencouragingorkindwordstoothers–especiallythosethattheydon’tyetknow–andputthemonotherslockers,desksorbooks.
• Printouthappyfaceemoticonsandgivetostudents.Encouragethemtopassthemontootherstudentstheyfeelcoulduseasmile.
Incentives&Contests
• Organizecontestsforstudents,includingposters,videos,rapsongs,poems,skitsorothercreativewritingorexpressionconteststhatletyoungpeopleexpresswhyit’simportanttorecognizesocialisolationandStartWithHello.
• AssignstudentswritingassignmentsaspartofEnglishclasses.Askthemtowriteabouthowtheycanplayaroleinreducingsocialisolationandcreatingacultureofinclusivenesswithintheirclassroom,schoolorcommunity.Giveextracredit.
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Promote&Recognize• Publish,displayandshareyouthcontestentriesand/orcreatingwriting
assignmentsaroundtheschoolgrounds,schoolnewspaper,socialmediaorwebsite,ateventsandinmorningannouncements.Sharethewinningentrieswithparentsorwithinthelargercommunity.
• Askstudentstocreatetheirownnametagsthattheywearthroughouttheweek.Askthem–andstaff–togreeteachotherbytheirfirstnames.
• Askstudentstosharetheirvideos,rapsongs,poemsandothercreativeexpressionsabouttheimportanceofStartWithHelloontheirsocialmediabyusing#StartWithHelloand#SandyHookPromiseortoperformorshowtheirvideos,poemsorrapsongsoverlunchorduringannouncements.
• Encouragestudentsandstafftotakeapictureofthemselfwithatweet,Instagramorposttellingeveryone,“Iwill#StartWithHello”.AskthemtotagyourschoolandSandyHookPromiseat#SandyHookPromiseandtrackandpromotehowmanystudents,teachersandadministratorsparticipate.
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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideStep4:IdeasforCommunityReachYoungpeoplearen’ttheonlyoneswhocancreatemoreconnectedandinclusivecommunities…andtheyaren’ttheonlyoneswhocanStartWithHello!Infact,themoreyoungpeopleseepositiveactsofinclusionandkindnessfromothersinthecommunity,themoreitreinforcesthemtodothesame!ExpandingStartWithHellowithinyourcommunity,andespeciallytotheparentsandcaretakersofyoungpeople,isacriticalcomponentofasuccessfulStartWithHelloWeek.Thefollowingideascanhelpyoureachparents,caretakersandothersfromthecommunitywhocansupportandencourageyoungpeopletoStartWithHello.Ifyouandtheyoungpeopleyouworkwithhaveadditionalideas,we’dlovetohearthemandsharethemwithothers!Pleaseemailusat:[email protected]
• Invitespeakers,orVIPsfromthecommunitywhocansharefirst-handabouttheimportanceofStartWithHellotocomeandtalkwithstudents.Thiscouldincludephysiciansormentalhealthproviders,lawenforcement,localelectedofficials,businessownersorcivicleaders.
• Havecityleaders,schoolboardmembersorcivicclubs,suchastheRotaryorChamberofCommerce,presentcertificatesorplaquestostudentsatanassemblyoreventinrecognitionoftheireffortstoStartWithHello.
• EncouragestudentstowritelettersormakeStartWithHellopresentationsatotherschoolsoryouthorciviceventsinthecommunityabouttheneedtoStartWithHello.
Promote&Recognize
• Changeyourschooloryouthorganization’ssocialmediaavatartotheStartWithHellologoduringStartWithHelloWeekandincludealinktohowparents,caretakersorothersfromthecommunitycanlearnhowtoStartWithHello.
• Askyourschoolboard,citycouncil/mayor,chiefofpoliceorstudentcounciltosignaStartWithHelloproclamationandsharewithlocalmedia.
• SendapressreleaseandasklocalmediatocometoyourschooloryouthorganizationtocoveraStartWithHelloevent.
• Sendletters/emailstoparentsandcaretakersandsharewhatishappeninginyourschooloryouthorganizationduringStartWithHelloWeek.AskthemtocontinuetoreinforceStartWithHelloathome.
• Askcityleadersornotablepeopleinyourcommunitytowritethankyounotestostudentsinrecognitionoftheireffortstoendsocialisolationandbuildaconnectedandinclusivecommunity.
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• Askpopularstudenthangoutplaces,suchasthelocalcoffeeshop,communitylibrary,reccenterorpizzaplace,tohangStartWithHellopostersordisplaypoems,shortstoriesorartworkcreatedbythestudentsaboutStartWithHello.
• Askcityandcivicgroups,suchasPoliceDepartments,FireDepartments,areahospitals,RotaryClubs,Lion’sClubs,CityCouncil,SchoolBoard,Women’sgroups,toshareordisplaythestudent’sStartWithHellovideos,rapsongs,poemsorcreativewritingassignmentsatmeetingsorontheirsocialmediaorwebsitesinordertocontinuetocelebratetheyouthandfurtherspreadtheStartWithHellomessagetotheircommunity.YoucanalsoinviteyouthleaderstomakebriefStartWithHellopresentationstothesegroups.
• Askmembersofthecommunityandparentsandcaretakerstojointhestudentsintheirsocialmediacampaignbypostingaphotoofthemwithamessage,“Iwill#StartWithHello”.AskthemtotagyourschoolandSandyHookPromiseat#SandyHookPromiseandtrackandpromotehowmanyparentsandcommunitymembersjoinyou.
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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideStep5:IdeasforSustainabilityWhileStartWithHelloWeekservestoraiseawarenessandgenerateenergyandexcitementamongyoungpeople,theactionsofinclusionandkindnessmustbesustainedinordertocreateeffectivechangeandreducesocialisolationinclassrooms,schoolsandcommunitiesacrosstheUnitedStates.Oneofthebestwaystoimplementsustainedactivityistoletyoungpeopleleadthecharge,lookingtoanadultchampionforoccasionalsupportandguidance.ThefollowingareideasandbestpracticestohelpyousupportyoungpeopleinplanningandleadingtheirStartWithHellosustainabilityplanafterStartWithHelloWeekhascomeandgone.Ifyouandtheyoungpeopleyouworkwithhaveadditionalideas,we’dlovetohearthemandsharethemwithothers!Pleaseemailusat:[email protected]:
• CreateStartWithHelloclubsorStartWithHelloYouthAmbassadorswhotakealeadershiproleinfosteringconnectionandreducingisolationwithintheirclassroomsandschools.
• AddaStartWithHelloinitiativeorcharterintoanexistingclub,perhapsonerelatedtomentoringorcivicresponsibility.
• AskolderstudentstomentorandpassdownStartWithHelloresponsibilitiestoyoungerstudentsandcarryStartWithHellofromyeartoyear.
• RecruitorbecomeaStartWithHelloadultchampionwithinyourschooloryouthorganizationandsupportyouthinorganizingStartWithHelloactivitiesthroughouttheyear.
• Inviteyouthservingorganizationsthatyourschoolhasexistingrelationshipswith,suchasBoyScouts,GirlScouts,theYMCA,YWCA,BigBrothers/BigSisters,afterschoolprograms,littleleaguesorBoysandGirlsClubtojoinyoureffortsandcontinuetheStartWithHelloconversationwithintheirprograms.
Events:
• CreateaStartWithHelloeventorinformationaltableduringparentconferences,sports,musicandtheatereventsthroughouttheyear.
• Hostregular“MixYourClique”days–orbetteryet–askyourStartWithHelloStudentLeadersorClubtoorganizeandleadthesedayswherestudentsintentionallyhangoutwithotherstheydon’tyetknow.
• Takeadvantageofholidaysorspecialeventsyourschoolmightalreadybeparticipatingin–suchasValentine’sDayorHomecoming–anduseitasatimetoreinforceactsofkindnesstowardsoneanother.
• DesignateStartWithHellodaysorweeksthroughouttheyear.Tieinwithfunactivities,suchasdresslikeaStartWithHellosuperheroorpracticethethemes
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fromtheStartWithHelloicebreakersthroughouttheyear.Lookforwaystosharethesewithintheschool,suchassocialmediaandmorningannouncements,aswellaswithinthelargercommunity,suchascommunitynewspapers.
• Tieinwithotherorganization’sno-costeventsandresources,includingBeyondDifferences‘NoOneEatsAloneDay’ortheSouthernPovertyLawCenter’sTeachingTolerance‘MixItUp’Day.Moreinformationonbothoftheseeventscanbefoundat:http://www.nooneeatsalone.org/orhttp://www.tolerance.org/mix-it-up/get-started.
• AssignaStartWithHellohomeworkassignment1-2timesthroughouttheyear.Tieitwithyourcurriculum.
• Checkinwithstudentssoyouknowhowyoucanhelpandsupportthem.ConsidertryingthisideafromaMathTeacher:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/this-brilliant-math-teacher-has-a-formula-to-save-kids-lives_b_4899349.html
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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideStep6:ReportingBackandStartWithHelloContestsandAwardsLastly,animportantpartofyourschooloryouthorganization’sStartWithHelloWeekisthatitistakingplaceinconcertwithhundredsofotherschoolsacrossthecountry.Thecollectiveenergy,reachandlearningthathappensduringStartWithHelloWeekbuildsuponeachschoolandyouthorganization’seffortstoreachandempowermoreyoungpeopletoreducesocialisolation,buildconnectedandinclusivecommunitiesandsavelives!TofullycapturethereachofStartWithHelloWeek,wemustbeabletocollectdata,informationandstoriestosharebackandcelebrate.YouwillreceiveanelectronicsurveytocompletefollowingStartWithHelloWeek.Weaskthatyoupleasecompletethissurvey.Inadditiontotheonlinesurvey,SandyHookPromisewillofferparticipatingStartWithHelloschoolsandyouthgroupsaninvitationtoapplyforaStartWithHelloaward.Oneschooloryouthorganizationwillbechosenfora$10,000StartWithHelloAward.SandyHookPromisewillalsogivehonorarymentionandpubliclyacknowledgeschoolsandyouthorganizationsthatexceedinthebestpracticeareasofcreativityandownership,communityreachandsustainability.FormoreinformationontheStartWithHelloAward,includingatimelineforsubmittingStartWithHelloentries,completerulesandawardcriteria,atimelineandtheawardapplication,pleasevisit:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhelloaward.
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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloinaDayThissampleStartWithHelloinaDaytemplateprovidesasexampleofhowyourschooloryouthorganizationcanorganizeandimplementStartWithHellooverthecourseofoneday.Manyoftheactivitiescanbeimplementedinjustafewminutesandatno-costaspartofregularlyscheduledactivities.Whiletakingverylittletimetoimplement,theseactivitiesstillincorporatethebestpracticesofstudentparticipation,creativityandownership,communityreach,andsustainability.
• Askstudentsandstafftoweargreenorhavethemdresslikea“StartWithHello”superherotobringgreaterawarenesstoStartWithHelloWeek.
• HangStartWithHellopostersaroundtheschool/youthorganization.StudentscancreatetheirownStartWithHellopostersoryoucandownloadandprintStartWithHellopostersfromSandyHookPromiseat:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhelloweek.
• Changeyourschool’savatartotheStartWithHellologoandpostinformationaboutStartWithHelloonyourwebsiteandsocialmediasites.YoucandownloadtheStartWithHellologoat:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhelloweek.
• AskasmallgroupofyoungpeopletoshareaStartWithHellomessageorleadaStartWithHelloicebreakerduringthemorningannouncement.
• Dependingonthetimeavailable,presenta20-minuteto40-minuteStartWithHelloprogramduringanallschoolassemblyorwithintheclassroom.
• PutStartWithHelloicebreakersorconversationstartersonlunchroomtablesandhostaNoOneEatsAloneDayonFebruary12th.Recruityouthambassadorstohelpleadconversationsoverlunch.MoreinformationonNoOneEatsAloneDay,aninitiativeofBeyondDifferences,isavailablehttp://www.nooneeatsalone.org/.
• Encouragestudentsandstafftotakeaselfiewithatweet,Instagramorposttellingeveryone,“Iwill#StartWithHello”.Askthemtotagyourschooland#SandyHookPromiseandtrackandpromotehowmanypeopleparticipate.
• SendaletteroremailhometoparentsandcaretakersandaskthemtocontinuetheconversationandreinforceStartWithHelloathome.Encourageparents/caretakerstoasktheirchildwhattheylearnedaboutStartWithHello.
• SendapressreleaseoralettertotheeditortoyourlocalnewspaperornewsstationsharingwhatyourschooloryouthorganizationisdoingtoempoweryoungpeopletoreducesocialisolationandStartWithHello.
• AssignaStartWithHellohomeworkassignment,suchasacreativewritingassignment,oraskyoungpeopletotryoutthedifferentStartWithHelloicebreakersduringclassortheschoolday.
• ScheduledatesontheschoolcalendartoincorporateotherStartWithHelloactivitiesthroughouttheyear.Tieitwithyourcurriculum.
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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloinaWeekThissampleStartWithHelloWeek-longtemplateprovidesanexampleofhowyourschooloryouthorganizationcanimplementStartWithHelloactivitiesthroughouttheentireweek.Whiletakingverylittletimetoimplement,theseactivitiesincorporatethebestpracticesofstudentparticipation,creativityandownership,communityreachandsustainability.Monday:
• KickoffStartWithHelloWeekbyusingaStartWithHelloicebreakereachmorningoratthestartofclass.
• Dependingontimeavailable,presenta20-minuteto40-minuteStartWithHelloprogramduringanallschoolassemblyorwithintheclassroom.ConsiderhavinganexistingStudentCluborStudentLeadersdeliverportionsoftheprogram.
• DistributeStartWithHellostickersorwristbandstoyoungpeople.Askthemtowearthemthroughouttheweek…perhapspassingthemontosharewithotherstheyseereachingoutorconnecting.YoucanorderStartWithHellostickersandwristbandsonlinefromSandyHookPromiseatno-costwhilesupplieslastwhenyousignupyourschooloryouthorganizationtoparticipateinStartWithHelloWeek.
• ChangeyourschoolsavatartotheStartWithHellologoandpostinformationaboutStartWithHelloonyourwebsiteandsocialmediasiteseachdaythroughoutStartWithHelloWeek.
Tuesday
• HostaStartWithHellopostermakingcontest,orothercontestoverthelunchhours,studyhalls,orafterschool.
• SetupaStartWithHellotableatschoolactivities,suchasathleticeventsandschoolconcerts.
• EncouragestudentstowritepositiveandencouragingnotestoeachotherusingstickynotesandputonlockersoraStartWithHellowall.
• HighlightadifferentStartWithHelloicebreakerorthemeeachdayduringtheweek,suchasaRandomActsofKindnessDayorGettoKnowMeScavengerHunt.
Wednesday• CreateaStartWithHellohomeworkassignment,suchasacreativewriting
assignmentorpoem.Askstudentstoworkonitwiththeirparentsorcaretakers.• Sendhomealettertoparents/caretakersoremailparents/caretakersaboutthe
StartWithHelloactivitieshappeninginyourschooloryouthorganizationthisweek.EncourageparentstoreadtheStartWithHelloparentresourceguideandcontinuetheconversationaboutinclusionwithinthehome.
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• Considerimplementinga“HeyDay”StartWithHelloicebreaker.Giveeachstudentanametagtowearandencouragethemtogreetothersbytheirfirstnameinthehallway,lunchroomorclassroom.
Thursday
• CreateaStartWithHellopledgewall.Encouragestudentsandstaffaliketotakeapictureoftheminfrontofthepledgewallwithatweet,Instagramorposttellingeveryone,“Iwill#StartWithHello”.Askthemtotagyourschooland#SandyHookPromiseandtrackandpromotehowmanystudents,teachersandadministratorsparticipate.
• Organizea“MixYourClique”daywiththehelpofyouthleaders.• AskstudentstodressuplikeStartWithHelloSuperHeroes.
Friday
• Endtheweek’sactivitiesbyorganizingawearGreenday.• ParticipateinNoOneEatsAloneDayonFebruary12th.NoOneEatsAloneDayis
aprogramfromBeyondDifferences.Thisyear,NoOneEatsAloneDaywillbeheldnationallyonFebruary12,duringSandyHookPromise’sStartWithHelloWeek.MoreaboutNoOneEatsAloneDayandBeyondDifferences,anorganizationalfriendtoSandyHookPromise,canbefoundat:http://www.nooneeatsalone.org
• Invitetheschoolboard,localelectedofficials,policechieforothercommunityleaderstoattendandparticipateinyourNoOneEatsAloneDayorbepartofaStartWithHellopresentationorconversationinyourschoolorclassroom.Considerinvitingparentstoattend.
• Havetheschoolboard,localelectedofficials,lawenforcementorothercommunityleaders,includingthestudentcouncil,presentaStartWithHelloproclamation.
• InvitethelocalmediatoattendandcovertheNoOneEatsAlonedayandStartWithHelloproclamationevent.
• Identifyanadultchampionwithinyourschooloryouthorganization(itcouldbeyou!)toserveasapointpersonforstartingaStartWithHelloClubwithinyourschooloryouthorganization.AskyouthleadersinterestedinjoiningtheClubtodeterminehowyourschooloryouthorganizationwillcarryStartWithHelloforwardandsketchoutacalendarthatcouldincludesmall,yetmeaningfulStartWithHelloactivitiesonaweekly,monthlyorquarterlybasis.
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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloPressRelease
[InsertYourSchool/YouthOrganizationandStartWithHelloLogoHere]
MEDIAADVISORY[InsertDate]PRESSCONTACT[InsertContactname,phonenumberandemailhere]
[InsertNameofSchool/YouthOrganization]EmpowersYoungPeopletoStartWithHelloandBuildaConnectedandInclusiveCommunity
NameofSchool/YouthOrganizationsPromotesNationalStartWithHelloWeekWHAT:[Insertnameofschool/youthorganization]inpartnershipwithSandyHookPromise,anational,nonprofitorganizationledbyseveralfamilymemberswhoselovedoneswerekilledinthetragicmassshootingatSandyHookElementarySchoolistakingpartinNationalStartWithHelloWeek,February8–12,2016.StartwithHelloteachesstudents,grades2-12,theskillstheyneedtoreachouttoandincludethosewhomaybedealingwithchronicsocialisolationandcreateacultureofinclusionandconnectednesswithintheirschooloryouthorganization.Socialisolationistheoverwhelmingfeelingofbeingleftout,lonely,ortreatedlikeyouareinvisible.ItisagrowingepidemicintheUnitedStatesandwithinourschools.Excessivefeelingsofisolationcanbeassociatedwithviolentandsuicidalbehavior.Infact,onestudyreportsthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofanearlydeathby14%.Furthermore,youngpeoplewhoareisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepression.Asaresult,manyfurtherpullawayfromsociety,strugglewithlearningandsocialdevelopmentand/orchoosetohurtthemselvesorothers.StartWithHello(SWH)WeekraisesawarenessandeducatesstudentsandthecommunitythroughStartWithHellotrainings,advertising,activities,publicproclamations,mediaevents,contestsandschoolscholarshipawards.StartWithHelloWeekbringsattentiontothegrowingepidemicofsocialisolationinourschoolsandcommunitiesandempowersyoungpeopletocreateacultureofinclusionandconnectednesswithintheirschooloryouthorganization.[Insertnameofyourschooloryouthorganization]isjoininghundredsofotherschoolsfromacrosstheUnitedStatesinparticipatinginStartWithHelloWeek,February8-12,2016.
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Theweeklongseriesofeventsincludes[inserttheStartWithHelloprogram,eventsandactivitiesyourschool/youthorganizationisplanning].[Insertnameofschool/youthorganization]andSandyHookPromiseisaskingschools,studentclubs,parentsandcommunityleaderstovisitwww.sandyhookpromise.org/bringStartWithHellotolearnhowtobeginusingtheStartWithHelloprogramresourcesintheirclassrooms,schools,communitiesandhomes.
WHEN: [Insertthedateandtimeofyourschool/youthorganization’sStart
WithHelloevent(s)]WHERE: [Insertyourschool/youthorganization’saddress]WHO: [Insertthenamesofthoseparticipatinginyourschool/youth
organizationStartWithHelloevents,suchas“studentleaders”,administrators,Mayororothernotablepeopleattending.]
VisualandInterviewOpportunitiesInclude:
o Interview–[Insertthenamesofthoseavailabletoparticipateinaninterview,suchasstudentleaders,youthmembersoftheStartWithHelloplanninggrouporclub,teachers,guidancecounselors,schooladministrators,schoolboardmembers,orotherleadersfromthecommunityparticipatinginyourschooloryouthorganization’sStartWithHelloWeek.]
o Capture–[insertadescriptionofthevisualactivitiy(ies)takingplace,suchasstudents,teachers/administratorsdiscussingStartWithHelloandaskingquestions,astudentassemblyoraStartWithHellopledgewall.]
About[YourSchool/YouthOrganization]Includeyourschooloryouthorganization’sdescriptionormissionstatementhere.AboutSandyHookPromiseSandyHookPromise,anational,nonprofitorganizationbasedinNewtown,Connecticut,isledbyseveralfamilieswholostlovedonesinthetragicmassshootingatSandyHookElementarySchoolonDecember14,2012thatclaimedthelivesof20first-gradersand6educators.Theorganizationisfocusedonpreventinggunviolence(andallviolence)BEFOREithappensbyeducatingandmobilizingparents,schoolsandcommunitiesonmentalhealthandwellnessprogramsthatidentify,interveneandhelpat-riskindividuals.SHPisamoderate,above-the-politicsorganizationthatsupportssensiblenon-policyandpolicysolutionsthatprotectchildrenandpreventgunviolence.Ourintentistohonorallvictimsofgunviolencebyturningourtragedyintoamomentoftransformation.Learnhowtogetinvolvedatwww.sandyhookpromise.org.
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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloWeekLettertotheEditorHaveyoueverfeltlonely,invisibleoralone?Nowimaginefeelingthatwayeveryday.Ineveryschoolandineverycommunity,includingin[insertthenameofyourcityortown]thereareyoungpeoplewhosuffersilentlybecausetheyfeelleftout,aloneorisolated.SocialisolationisagrowingepidemicintheUnitedStatesandwithinourschools.Excessivefeelingsofisolationcanbeassociatedwithviolentandsuicidalbehavior.Infact,onestudyreportsthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofanearlydeathby14%.Furthermore,youngpeoplewhoareisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepression.Asaresult,manyfurtherpullawayfromsociety,strugglewithlearningandsocialdevelopmentand/orchoosetohurtthemselvesorothers.Thegoodnewsisthatwecandosomethingaboutthis.Wecanencourageandsupporttheyoungpeoplein[insertnameofyourschool,youthorganization,city,townorstate]toendsocialisolationandcreatemoreconnectedandinclusiveclassrooms,schoolsandcommunities–anditdoesn’tcostacent![Insertthenameofyourschooloryouthorganization]isjoiningSandyHookPromiseandhundredsofotherschoolsandyouthorganizationsacrosstheUnitedStatesinparticipatinginStartWithHelloWeekthisFebruary8-12.StartWithHelloisaneasy-to-implementandno-costprogramthatteachesstudents,grades2-12,theskillstheyneedtoreachouttoandincludethosewhomaybedealingwithchronicsocialisolationandcreateacultureofinclusionandconnectedness.Inadditiontoyoungpeople,StartWithHellowillbenefiteducators,administrators,communitybasedorganizationleadersandparents.Bybuildingacultureofinclusionandconnectedness,schoolsandcommunitiescanbettersupporttheiryoungpeopleandreducetheirriskofbullying,violenceanddepression.TolearnmoreabouthowyoucanbringStartWithHellotoyourschool,organizationorcommunity–orhowtosupportouryoungpeopletoStartWithHello,pleasevisitSandyHookPromiseat:www.sandyhookpromise.org
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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloWeekEmail/LettertoParents/CaretakersDearParents/Caretakers,ThisFebruary8–12,yourchildwillbetakingpartinStartWithHelloWeekat[insertthenameofyourschooloryouthorganization].StartwithHelloteachesstudents,grades2-12,theskillstheyneedtoreachouttoandincludethosewhomaybedealingwithchronicsocialisolationandcreateacultureofinclusionandconnectednesswithintheirclassroom,schooloryouthorganization.Socialisolationistheoverwhelmingfeelingofbeingleftout,lonely,ortreatedlikeyouareinvisible.ItisagrowingepidemicintheUnitedStatesandwithinourschools.Excessivefeelingsofisolationcanbeassociatedwithviolentandsuicidalbehavior.Infact,onestudyreportsthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofanearlydeathby14%.Furthermore,youngpeoplewhoareisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepression.Asaresult,manyfurtherpullawayfromsociety,strugglewithlearningandsocialdevelopmentand/orchoosetohurtthemselvesorothers.
WeencourageyoutotalktoyourchildabouttheStartWithHelloprogramandaskthemtosharewhattheyhavelearned.Notonlywillthathelpyoulearnhowtosupportyourchildtoseeisolation,reachoutandconnect,andStartWithHello,italsodemonstratestoyourchildthatyoutakethissubjectseriouslyandcansupportthemintheiractionstocreateamoreconnectedandinclusivehome,classroom,schoolandcommunity.FormoreinformationonStartWithHelloandtosignuptoreceivetheStartWithHelloParentGuide,pleasevisit:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/bringstartwithhello.Thankyou,[Insertnameofyourschooloryouthorganization]
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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleFacebookPosts
1. Students!#StartWithHelloWeekwilltakeplacefromFebruary8th-12th!Joinusforaweekofactivitiesaimedateasingsocialisolationandpromotingkindnessandinclusion!http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb
2. [NameofSchool]willbeparticipatinginthisyear’s#StartWithHelloweekfromFebruary8th-12th!Therewillbemanyactivitiesthroughouttheweektoincreasesocialinclusioninourschoolcommunitytomakesurenooneisleftoutandeveryonehasafriend.http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb
3. StartingMonday[NameofSchool]willbegin#StartWithHelloWeek!Thisweekwillfocusonincludingpeerswhomaybeisolatedorleftoutofday-to-dayschoolactivities.It’saseasyasstartingwith“Hello”!http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb
4. This[DayofWeek],we’regoingtomakesureNoOneEatsAlone!Youngpeoplewhoarechronicallyisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepression.Let’sdoourparttoeasesocialisolationbysittingandeatingwithsomeonenewtoday!http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb
5. Here’swhatwehaveplannedat[NameofSchool]for#StartWithHelloWeek![ListActivitiesbyday].Pleasejoinusforaweekoffunandmakingnewfriends!
6. Mondayisthestartof#StartWithHelloWeek!Visithttp://www.sandyhookpromise.org/bringstartwithhellotofindoutmoreaboutthisgreat,student-ledsocialinclusionCalltoActionweek!
7. Didyoumeetsomeoneamazingorlearnsomethingnewaboutsomeoneyou’veknownforawhile?Postyour#HelloSelfiewithyourfriendsfrom#StartWithHelloweektoshowus!
8. Haveyouused#StartWithHellotomakeanewfriendthisweek?Shareyour#HelloSelfietoshowuswhatyou’vebeenupto!
9. Wesignedupfor#StartWithHelloWeektoencouragestudentstobemoreinclusive&kindtohelpcreateasafer&happierschoolcommunityforusall.http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb
10. DIDYOUKNOW?Studiessuggestthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofanearlydeathby14%.#StartWithHellotomakeadifferencetoday!http://bit.ly/215VRKk
Tweets(canalsobeusedforInstagramcaptions):PleasekeepinmindcharacterlimitonTweets:someofthesefittotheexact140mark,otherscanbecustomized.
1. It’salmost#StartWithHelloWeek!Getreadytomakenewfriendsandhavealotoffunwithusat[NameofSchool].
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2. #StartWithHelloWeekisalmosthere!Whatareyoulookingforwardtolearningthisweek?[AttachSWHlogo]
3. Mondayisthestartof#StartWithHelloWeek!Visitwww.sandyhookpromise.org/bringstartwithhellotofindoutmore!
4. [Onwhateverdayworks]TodaywearemakingsureNoOneEatsAlone!Use#StartWithHellotomeetsomeonenewtositwithatlunchtoday!
5. Socialisolationcanhappenanywhereinourschool.Howwillyoumeetsomeonenewtoday?#StartWithHello
6. Didyoumakeanewconnectionduring#StartWithHelloWeek?Tweetusa#HelloSelfietoshowus!
7. Tweetusa#HelloSelfieor#StartWithHellotoshowussomeoftheactivitiesyou’vebeenapartofduring#StartWIthHelloWeek!
8. DIDYOUKNOW?Studiessuggestthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofearlydeathby14%.#StartWithHellotomakeadifferencetoday!
9. IPromise:ThisweekIwill#StartWithHellotocreateamoreinclusive,happy,andsafeschoolcommunity&helpeasesocialisolation.http://bit.ly/215VRKk
10. We'lluse#StartWithHellotoencouragestudentstobemoreinclusive&helpcreateasafer&happiercommunity.http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb
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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloProclamationforCommunityLeadersThissampleStartWithHelloproclamationcanbeusedwithMayors/CityCouncils,PoliceChiefs/Sheriffs,CountyGovernment,SchoolBoard,StudentCouncils,Governorsorotherelectedofficials.Whereas,socialisolationistheoverwhelmingfeelingofbeingleftout,lonely,ortreatedlikeyouareinvisible,andWhereas,socialisolationisagrowingepidemicintheUnitedStatesandwithinourschools,andWhereas,excessivefeelingsofisolationcanbeassociatedwithviolentandsuicidalbehavior,andWhereas,youngpeoplewhoareisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepressionandasaresult,manyfurtherpullawayfromsociety,strugglewithlearningandsocialdevelopmentand/orchoosetohurtthemselvesorothers,and
Whereas,StartwithHelloteachesstudents,grades2-12,theskillstheyneedtoreachouttoandincludethosewhomaybedealingwithchronicsocialisolationandcreateacultureofinclusionandconnectednesswithintheirschooloryouthorganization,andWhereas,inadditiontoyoungpeople,StartWithHellowillbenefiteducators,administrators,communitybasedorganizationleadersandparents,andWhereas,bybuildingacultureofinclusionandconnectedness,schoolsandcommunitiescanbettersupporttheiryoungpeopleandreducetheirriskofbullying,violenceanddepression,andWhereas,SandyHookPromise,anational,non-profitorganizationledbyfamilymemberswhoselovedoneswerekilledinthetragicmassshootingatSandyHookElementarySchoolonDecember14,2012supportssensiblesolutionsthatprotectchildrenandpreventgunviolencebybringingindividualsandcommunitiestogethertolookoutforandcareforoneanother;andWhereas,oneofSandyHookPromise’scoreviolencepreventionprograms,StartWithHello,isbeingcelebratedaspartofnationalStartWithHelloWeek,February8-12,2016at[insertthenameofyourschooloryouthorganization];andWhereas,throughStartWithHello,youngpeoplewillbuildamoreconnectedandinclusiveclassroom,schoolandcommunity,