This week, the South Orangetown Central School District will partner with thousands of schools and youth organizations across the country to celebrate “Start With Hello Week.” Started by the Sandy Hook Promise organization, “Start With Hello Week” promotes an inclusive school environment and encourages students to make new social connections.
To kick off the week, our William O. Schaefer Elementary School and Cottage Lane Elementary School students were encouraged to wear clothing that represents who they are. At South Orangetown Middle School, students greeted their classmates and staff as they arrived at school this morning. Students handed out green wristbands and welcomed fellow students and staff with posters outside of the main entrances.
Throughout the week, K-12 students will participate in various classroom and school-wide activities including themed days, group activities during lunch periods, mini-lessons and ways to perform acts of kindness. These activities were planned by our School Counselors and School Prevention Counselors in collaboration with teachers and building administrators at each of our schools to provide students with the opportunity to practice empathy and end social isolation.
Stay tuned to this feed as well as each of our school’s Instagram feeds throughout the week to see how our students and staff “Start With Hello!”
