During the week of September 30th through October 4th, students at CCA participated in Start With Hello Week at Clear Creek Amana School District. Start With Hello teaches students, grades 2 – 12, the skills they need to reach out and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their classroom, school or youth organization. Last year, over 12,000 schools from across the United States participated in Start With Hello Call To Action week to highlight and spread the message of the power of Start With Hello’s three simple steps:
- See Someone Alone
- Reach Out and Help
- Start With Hello
Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated like you are invisible. It is a growing epidemic in the United States and within our schools. According to a 2018 survey of 20,000 adults, nearly 50% of Americans reported sometimes or always feeling alone. Excessive feelings of isolation can be associated with violent and suicidal behavior. Furthermore, young people who are isolated can become victims of bullying, violence and/or depression. As a result, many further pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development and/or choose to hurt themselves or others. The positive news is that there are cures for disconnection and loneliness if we reach out and help one another.
Start with Hello Week Recap of activities:
Monday- Student-led announcements and Hey Day
Tuesday- Pledge to connect with your peers by signing a visual representation of a commitment to inclusivity
Wednesday- Express Yourself Contest- students will create writings, artwork, etc. to depict the importance of social connection and inclusivity
Thursday- Smile Wall- students to write positive or kind things that they’ve seen or experienced over the past week to be collected and publicly shared in the building
One quote from the Smile wall, "When a person felt like they didn't fit in, we let them fit in!"
Friday- Wear green to promote awareness of the stigma that students with mental illness face
Thank you for supporting the Start with Hello Week!
