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Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out which often leads to loneliness in children. Research shows that seclusion is a growing epidemic in the United States. As a result, young people who feel lonely may pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development.
COVID-19 introduced many students to feelings of social isolation due to the physical and emotional distancing. “Start With Hello” (SWH) is an important learning program that empowers students in grades K-12 to recognize isolation in their peers, offering effective strategies to reach out and help, and ways they can grow an empathetic and inclusive community.
The Sandy Hook Promise nonprofit organization partnered with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) to kick off a district-wide SWH Week that started Monday, Sept. 19, running through Friday, Sept. 23, to help raise awareness and empower children and employees to be more socially inclusive and connected to each other.
With themes and suggested activities for each day of the week, students and employees were encouraged to create and participate in activities that promote inclusivity and spread this message into their communities. In previous years, M-DCPS students and staff have worn name tags to encourage meeting new people, inspired positivity by sharing kindness, and have worn green to promote inclusivity, among other activities.
M-DCPS employees also had the perfect opportunity to take the first step in making their school and/or work environment a better place for all.
The initiative raised awareness and highlighted the importance of creating connections.
Thousands of schools and youth organizations across the country participate in SWH each year. The program teaches students to make a difference with their peers in a simple yet impactful way. Students are asked to take small but powerful actions to promote connectedness and inclusion. Often just a small connection can help in a big way.
Schools were invited to visit the Sandy Hook Promise website to download its signature activities guide for additional activity suggestions, such as “Hello-Grams,” compliments and kindness notes, and gratitude and “I Promise” cards. All schools that registered and participated were eligible for a Sandy Hook Promise “Start with Hello” Week Award.
School staff are invited to share their SWH activities on social media using the hashtag #StartWithHelloWeek. Be sure to tag @sandyhook and @StdtSvcsMDCPS.
To see more #Miaminews from #Aventura to #Coralgables to #SouthMiami, #Pinecrest, #Palmetto Bay and #Cutler Bay and all throughout #Miamidadecounty go to:
www.communitynewspapers.com
