The South Orangetown Elementary Schools and SOCES PTA are pleased to announce our participation in a special event that is part of the Sandy Hook Promise called “Start with Hello.” The purpose is to enable students to make a difference with their peers in a simple, fun and impactful way- by simply saying hello or starting a conversation. By encouraging students to include those who may be feeling alone, we will foster a culture of inclusion and connectedness. This event builds upon our current character education while giving additional tools to teachers and students.
Start with Hello Week is Monday, September 24th through Friday, September 28th. We are excited to share with you our daily events and hope that you will be able to carry on the conversation at home. If you would like more details about the event, please visit: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhelloweek
To introduce the concept, each classroom was visited by either Ms. Beglin, Mrs. White, Mr. Galvin or Dr. McSwiggan who discussed the idea and importance of starting with hello by reading an excerpt from the book Courage by Bernard Waber. Below are the list of events and activities planned within your child’s classroom and beyond.
Monday, September 24th
- Morning Greeting- students will greet one another by asking if others would like to receive a hello, a handshake or a high five. Class discussion follows about the importance and impact of greeting peers each day
Tuesday, September 25th
- Buddy Bench lesson
- Chalk will be provided for classes to use during their lunch recess to draw messages of positivity
Wednesday, September 26th
- Students are encouraged to wear a T-shirt that says something about them and use it as a conversation starter
- Morning Meeting: Concentric Circles- students will make connections with peers by engaging in a series of short conversations
Thursday, September 27th
- Morning Meeting: How Would You Feel? Students look closely at an image and class discussion follows
- Students will be given smile stickers from the PTA to pass onto other students that they notice need a pick-me-up
Friday, September 28th
- Students given a name tag and are greeted in the morning by staff and one another
- Group Activity: Pinwheels for Peace display assemblies. Students will gather with the art teacher throughout the day to spin their pinwheels for Peace in continued celebration of International Peace Day (9/21)
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