Students and staff build connections during Start With Hello Week

Students from Lynbrook North Middle School and Lynbrook South Middle School in the Lynbrook Public Schools celebrated Start With Hello Week from Sept. 21-25. Each year, students throughout the country participate in the Start With Hello program, created by the nonprofit organization, Sandy Hook Promise. The goal of the week is to promote connectedness, empathy, kindness and social inclusion.

In Lynbrook, middle school students and staff got to know each other better during the week as they were encouraged to introduce themselves and connect. They were presented with name tags and spoke about the importance of inclusivity in class through a PowerPoint presentation. The hallways were also decorated to promote positive and safe interactions.  

“Students were encouraged to greet five new people while everyone wore name tags,” said Lynbrook South Middle School social worker Amanda Cioffi. “Students also practiced their Socially Distant Greetings! Although students are adjusting to a new routine, we still love to be creative and find new ways to encourage connectedness while students are at home or in the building.”

 

Photo captions:

 

1) Lynbrook North Middle School teacher Anthony Carollo (left) greeted sixth grader George Puga in a socially distant way during Start With Hello Week. 

2) Lynbrook South Middle School sixth graders Lyla Gaffoor (left) and Zoey Garver practiced safe greetings. 

3) Lynbrook South Middle School eighth graders Samantha Rutigliano (left), Luciata Miata (middle) and Gabriella Ramirez (right) celebrated Start With Hello Week. 

4) Lynbrook South Middle School sixth grader Suraiya-Maika Dautruche says hello. 

 

Photos courtesy of the Lynbrook Public Schools