One Hello at a Time

Students at Beach Street Middle School spent the week of Sept. 22-25 building connections, spreading kindness and helping create a school community where everyone feels seen and included as part of Start With Hello Week.

A Sandy Hook Promise initiative, Start With Hello encourages students to reach out to others, make meaningful connections and help ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Throughout the week, school counselors Ms. Loddigs, Ms. Mullins and Ms. Romeo organized a variety of activities designed to promote connection and inclusion. One of the week’s highlights was Wear Green Day, when students and staff came together to show their support for the initiative.

The week culminated with a special activity during lunch. Students listened to positive, familiar songs and were invited to think about a friend or another student in the cafeteria who came to mind. Those who volunteered to participate shared the name of the person they chose and offered a few kind words about why that person was meaningful to them. The simple activity created an opportunity for students to recognize and celebrate one another while encouraging positive interactions among their peers.

Through small acts of kindness and intentional connections, Beach Street Middle School students are helping make their school a welcoming place for everyone.