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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideFebruary8-12,2016

AnInitiativefromSandyHookPromisewww.sandyhookpromise.org

Forquestions,pleaseemail:startwithhello@sandyhookpromise.org

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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideFebruary8–12,2016TableofContentsWelcomeLetter Page3StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuide Pages4-13

• Step1:GettingStarted• Step2:IdeasforStudentParticipation• Step3:IdeasforCreativityandOwnership• Step4:IdeasforCommunityReach• Step5:IdeasforSustainability• Step6:ReportingBackandStartWithHelloAward

StartWithHelloWeekResources Pages14-24

• SampleStartWithHelloinaDayPlan• SampleStartWithHelloinaWeekPlan• SampleStartWithHelloPressRelease• SampleStartWithHelloLettertotheEditor• SampleStartWithHelloWeekEmail/LettertoParents/Caretakers• SampleStartWithHelloWeekSocialMediaPosts• SampleStartWithHelloProclamationforCommunityLeaders

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WelcomeLetterandPurposeofStartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideIneveryschoolandineverycommunitythereareyoungpeoplewhosuffersilentlybecausetheyfeelleftout,aloneorinvisible.SocialisolationisagrowingepidemicintheUnitedStatesandwithinourschools.Excessivefeelingsofisolationcanbeassociatedwithviolentandsuicidalbehavior.Infact,onestudyreportsthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofanearlydeathby14%.Furthermore,youngpeoplewhoareisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepression.Asaresult,manyfurtherpullawayfromsociety,strugglewithlearningandsocialdevelopmentand/orchoosetohurtthemselvesorothers.StartWithHello(SWH)WeekraisesawarenessandeducatesstudentsandthecommunitythroughStartWithHellotrainings,advertising,activities,publicproclamations,mediaevents,contestsandawards.ByparticipatinginStartWithHelloWeekthisFebruary8–12,youwilljoinhundredsofschoolsandyouthorganizationsfromacrosstheUnitedStatestoempoweryoungpeopletocreateacultureofinclusionandconnectedness!ThisStartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideprovidesno-costandeasytoimplementideasforyourStartWithHelloWeekactivities.Wehavecompiledideasandbestpractices–manyofwhichhavecomefromschoolsandyouthorganizationslikeyoursfromacrossthecountry–tomakeyourplanningandimplementationeasier.WhetheryouareabletodedicateanhourortwoduringStartWithHelloWeekorimplementStartWithHelloactivitieseverydaythroughouttheweek,thisPlanningGuideofferseasytoimplementandno-costideasthatcanhelpyoureachstudentsandcommunitymembersalike,aswellasincorporatetheenergy,creativityandownershipofyoungpeople.Alongwithsamplesandtemplates,wehaveincludedideasonhowyourschooloryouthorganizationcancontinuetocarryStartWithHelloforwardtocreatearealandlastingcultureofkindnessandinclusion.Webelievethatthebestwaytoimplementsustainedchangeistoletyoungpeopleleadthecharge!ThankyouforjoininghundredsofschoolsandyouthorganizationsfromacrossthecountrytobringStartWithHelloWeekandthepowerofinclusion,connectednessandbelongingtomoreyoungpeople.Inadditiontoyoungpeople,youreffortswillbenefiteducators,administrators,communitybasedorganizations,communitymembersandparents.Bybuildingacultureofinclusionandconnectedness,schoolsandcommunitiescanbettersupporttheiryoungpeopleandreducetheirriskofbullying,violenceanddepression.Sincerely,MarkBarden(Daniel’sDad)&NicoleHockley(Dylan’sMom)ManagingDirectors,SandyHookPromise

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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideStep1:GettingStartedThefirststeptoplanningyourStartWithHelloWeekismakingsureyourschooloryouthorganizationisofficiallysignedupandregisteredforStartWithHelloWeekwithSandyHookPromise.OfficiallyregisteringforStartWithHelloWeekassuresyougettimelyStartWithHelloWeekupdatesandhaveaccesstoimportanttools,includingtheno-cost,downloadableStartWithHelloprogram.Ifyouhaven’tyet,pleaseregisterat:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhelloweekOnceyouareofficiallyregistered,youwillreceiveanemailthatwillincludealinktoourStartWithHelloprogramandresources.TheseresourcesareavailableatnocosttohelpyouteachyoungpeoplehowtoStartWithHello.PleasenotethattheseresourceswillbeavailableandemailedtoyouinearlyJanuary2016.• StartWithHelloPowerPointPresentation:SandyHookPromiseofferstwoversions

oftheStartWithHelloPowerPointpresentation–oneforelementaryschoolagestudentsandoneformiddleandhighschoolstudents.TheSWHpresentationcanbedeliveredinaslittleas20-minutesorextendedto40-minutestoallowmoretimeforpracticeanddiscussion.

• StartWithHelloDiscussionandActivityGuideforEducatorsandClassrooms:This

quickandeasy-to-useguideisdesignedtoassistadulteducatorsinfacilitatingdiscussionsandongoingactivitiestoreducesocialisolationandcreateaconnectedandinclusiveclassroom,schoolandcommunity.Itincludesideas,activitiesandresourcesforsupportingyoungpeopleincarryingoutStartWithHellobothduringStartWithHelloWeekandthroughouttheyear.

• StartWithHelloStudentResourceGuide:Thisquickandeasy-to-useguideis

designedtoassiststudents,youthambassadorsandpeerleadersinimplementingStartWithHello.Itincludesideas,activitiesandresourcesthatyoungpeoplecandoduringStartWithHelloWeekandthroughouttheyear.

• StartWithHelloParentResourceGuide:TheStartWithHelloParentResourceGuideisaquickandeasy-to-implementguidethatparentsandcaretakerscanuse–andthatschoolsandyouthorganizationscangivetoparents–tohelpcontinueStartWithHelloathome.

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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuide

Step2:IdeasforStudentParticipationYoungpeoplehavethepowertoseesomeoneisolated,reachoutandStartWithHelloinordertoreducesocialisolationandfosteramoreconnectedandinclusiveclassroom,schoolandcommunity.Assuchit’simportantthatStartWithHelloreacheseveryyoungpersoninyourschooloryouthorganization,aseachyoungpersonhasthepowertomakeadifference,makeanewfriendorsavealife.

ThefollowingideascanhelpyouincorporatestudentparticipationasanintegralandvitalpartofyourStartWithHelloWeekplanningandimplementation.Ifyouandtheyoungpeopleyouworkwithhaveadditionalideas,we’dlovetohearthemandsharethemwithothers!Pleaseemailusat:startwithhello@sandyhookpromise.orgEvents

• Hostbigandsmalleventsthroughouttheweek,thiscouldincludeclassroomdiscussions,lunchconversations,allschoolassembliesordailymorningannouncementsabouttheimportanceofStartWithHello

• ParticipateinNoOneEatsAlone®DayonFebruary12th.*NoOneEatsAlone®DayisaprogramfromBeyondDifferences®.NoOneEatsAlone®DaywillbeheldnationallythisyearonFebruary12,duringSandyHookPromise’sStartWithHelloWeek.MoreaboutNoOneEatsAlone®DayandBeyondDifferences®,anorganizationalfriendtoSandyHookPromise,canbefoundat:http://www.beyonddifferences.org.BeyondDifferences®andNoOneEatsAlone®areregisteredtrademarksownedbytheBeyondDifferences®organization.

• InvolveandencouragestaffandyouthleaderstoincorporateandmodelStartWithHellokeymessages,storiesandactivitiesintoextracurricularactivitiesduringStartWithHelloWeek,suchasmessagesfromcoaches,bandinstructors,dramateachers,studentcouncil,nationalhonorsocietyandotherstudentclubs.

• Organizea“randomactsofkindnessday”aspartofStartWithHelloWeekandencourageallyoungpeopleandadultswithinyourschooloryouthorganizationtogooutoftheirwaytodosomethingniceforsomeoneelse.

• Setupinformationaltablesatalreadyscheduledschoolactivities,programsandeventsthatpromoteandincorporatetheicebreakerideasfromStartWithHellopresentation.

• Encouragelanguageclasses,suchasSpanish,French,ChineseorSignLanguagetoteachotherstudentshowtosay“hello”indifferentlanguages.

• Considerchangingseatingchartsintheclassroomorduringlunchtogivestudentsachancetomeetandtalktosomeonenew.

• Lookforwaystopairstudentstogether,suchasgroupprojectsorlearningorhomeworkassignments.

• HostaStartWithHellodanceparty.

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Promote&Recognize

• Askteachers,administratorsorotherstudentstowritequickthank-younotestostudentsinrecognitionoftheireffortstoStartWithHello.

• CreateaStartWithHellowallwhereeverystudentcansigntheirnameorwrite“Hello”toindicatetheircommitmenttoreachoutandconnectwithsomeonetheyseeisolated.

• Organizea“WearGreenDay”tofurtherpromoteawarenessandcallattentiontoSandyHookPromise’sStartWithHelloWeek.

• HangStartWithHellopostersaroundtheschool/youthorganizationorencouragestudentstocreatetheirownStartWithHelloposters.YoucandownloadandprintStartWithHellopostersfromSandyHookPromiseat:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhelloweek.

• OrderStartWithHellostickersorwristbandsforstudentstowear.YoucanorderthesematerialsonlinefromSandyHookPromiseatno-costwhilesupplieslastwhenyousignupforStartWithHelloWeek.

• AskstudentstocomeupwiththeirownideasandactivitiesofhowtoStartWithHelloortoreflectonhowitmightfeeltobeisolated,lonelyortreatedasifyouwereinvisibleasaclassroomorhomeworkassignment.

• PlaceStartWithHelloads,postsandarticlesintheschoolnewspaperoronyoursocialmediasitesorwebpage.

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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideStep3:IdeasforCreativityandOwnershipOneofthebestwaystoempoweryoungpeopletoStartWithHelloandtobethecatalystofchangeintheirschools,youthorganizationsandcommunityistoletthemleadthecharge.Encourageyoungpeopletotaketheleadandaddtheirownuniquevoice,storiesandperspectivetoStartWithHelloWeek.ThefollowingideasareheretohelpyouencourageyouthcreativityandownershipintoyourStartWithHelloWeekplanningandimplementation.Ifyouandtheyoungpeopleyouworkwithhaveadditionalideas,we’dlovetohearthemandsharethemwithothers!Pleaseemailusat:startwithhello@sandyhookpromise.org

Events

• HostameetingbeforeStartWithHelloWeektogetideasfromstudentsandstaffalikeonhowyourschoolcansupportyoungpeopleintheirStartWithHelloactivities.

• Reachouttoexistingstudentgroups,suchasstudentcivicgroups,studentleadershipgroupsandstudentart,music,AVorjournalistclubstogettheirideasandidentifywaystheywanttousetheirtalentstopromoteStartWithHelloWeek.

• AskstudentstopresentportionsoftheStartWithHelloprogram,demonstrateorpracticetheStartWithHelloicebreakersorleadStartWithHellodiscussionsintheclassroomoratanassemblyorextracurricularevent.

• Askstudentambassadorsorstudentleaderstoorganizeascavengerhuntorcontestbyencouragingtheirpeerstolearnnewthingsaboutotherswithintheirschooloryouthorganization.

• Organizea“GettoKnowMe”or“StartWithHelloSuperHero”daywherestudentscandressupandexpresswhatmakesthemunique.

• Giveeachstudentstickynotesandaskthemtowriteencouragingorkindwordstoothers–especiallythosethattheydon’tyetknow–andputthemonotherslockers,desksorbooks.

• Printouthappyfaceemoticonsandgivetostudents.Encouragethemtopassthemontootherstudentstheyfeelcoulduseasmile.

Incentives&Contests

• Organizecontestsforstudents,includingposters,videos,rapsongs,poems,skitsorothercreativewritingorexpressionconteststhatletyoungpeopleexpresswhyit’simportanttorecognizesocialisolationandStartWithHello.

• AssignstudentswritingassignmentsaspartofEnglishclasses.Askthemtowriteabouthowtheycanplayaroleinreducingsocialisolationandcreatingacultureofinclusivenesswithintheirclassroom,schoolorcommunity.Giveextracredit.

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Promote&Recognize• Publish,displayandshareyouthcontestentriesand/orcreatingwriting

assignmentsaroundtheschoolgrounds,schoolnewspaper,socialmediaorwebsite,ateventsandinmorningannouncements.Sharethewinningentrieswithparentsorwithinthelargercommunity.

• Askstudentstocreatetheirownnametagsthattheywearthroughouttheweek.Askthem–andstaff–togreeteachotherbytheirfirstnames.

• Askstudentstosharetheirvideos,rapsongs,poemsandothercreativeexpressionsabouttheimportanceofStartWithHelloontheirsocialmediabyusing#StartWithHelloand#SandyHookPromiseortoperformorshowtheirvideos,poemsorrapsongsoverlunchorduringannouncements.

• Encouragestudentsandstafftotakeapictureofthemselfwithatweet,Instagramorposttellingeveryone,“Iwill#StartWithHello”.AskthemtotagyourschoolandSandyHookPromiseat#SandyHookPromiseandtrackandpromotehowmanystudents,teachersandadministratorsparticipate.

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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideStep4:IdeasforCommunityReachYoungpeoplearen’ttheonlyoneswhocancreatemoreconnectedandinclusivecommunities…andtheyaren’ttheonlyoneswhocanStartWithHello!Infact,themoreyoungpeopleseepositiveactsofinclusionandkindnessfromothersinthecommunity,themoreitreinforcesthemtodothesame!ExpandingStartWithHellowithinyourcommunity,andespeciallytotheparentsandcaretakersofyoungpeople,isacriticalcomponentofasuccessfulStartWithHelloWeek.Thefollowingideascanhelpyoureachparents,caretakersandothersfromthecommunitywhocansupportandencourageyoungpeopletoStartWithHello.Ifyouandtheyoungpeopleyouworkwithhaveadditionalideas,we’dlovetohearthemandsharethemwithothers!Pleaseemailusat:startwithhello@sandyhookpromise.orgEvents

• Invitespeakers,orVIPsfromthecommunitywhocansharefirst-handabouttheimportanceofStartWithHellotocomeandtalkwithstudents.Thiscouldincludephysiciansormentalhealthproviders,lawenforcement,localelectedofficials,businessownersorcivicleaders.

• Havecityleaders,schoolboardmembersorcivicclubs,suchastheRotaryorChamberofCommerce,presentcertificatesorplaquestostudentsatanassemblyoreventinrecognitionoftheireffortstoStartWithHello.

• EncouragestudentstowritelettersormakeStartWithHellopresentationsatotherschoolsoryouthorciviceventsinthecommunityabouttheneedtoStartWithHello.

Promote&Recognize

• Changeyourschooloryouthorganization’ssocialmediaavatartotheStartWithHellologoduringStartWithHelloWeekandincludealinktohowparents,caretakersorothersfromthecommunitycanlearnhowtoStartWithHello.

• Askyourschoolboard,citycouncil/mayor,chiefofpoliceorstudentcounciltosignaStartWithHelloproclamationandsharewithlocalmedia.

• SendapressreleaseandasklocalmediatocometoyourschooloryouthorganizationtocoveraStartWithHelloevent.

• Sendletters/emailstoparentsandcaretakersandsharewhatishappeninginyourschooloryouthorganizationduringStartWithHelloWeek.AskthemtocontinuetoreinforceStartWithHelloathome.

• Askcityleadersornotablepeopleinyourcommunitytowritethankyounotestostudentsinrecognitionoftheireffortstoendsocialisolationandbuildaconnectedandinclusivecommunity.

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• Askpopularstudenthangoutplaces,suchasthelocalcoffeeshop,communitylibrary,reccenterorpizzaplace,tohangStartWithHellopostersordisplaypoems,shortstoriesorartworkcreatedbythestudentsaboutStartWithHello.

• Askcityandcivicgroups,suchasPoliceDepartments,FireDepartments,areahospitals,RotaryClubs,Lion’sClubs,CityCouncil,SchoolBoard,Women’sgroups,toshareordisplaythestudent’sStartWithHellovideos,rapsongs,poemsorcreativewritingassignmentsatmeetingsorontheirsocialmediaorwebsitesinordertocontinuetocelebratetheyouthandfurtherspreadtheStartWithHellomessagetotheircommunity.YoucanalsoinviteyouthleaderstomakebriefStartWithHellopresentationstothesegroups.

• Askmembersofthecommunityandparentsandcaretakerstojointhestudentsintheirsocialmediacampaignbypostingaphotoofthemwithamessage,“Iwill#StartWithHello”.AskthemtotagyourschoolandSandyHookPromiseat#SandyHookPromiseandtrackandpromotehowmanyparentsandcommunitymembersjoinyou.

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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideStep5:IdeasforSustainabilityWhileStartWithHelloWeekservestoraiseawarenessandgenerateenergyandexcitementamongyoungpeople,theactionsofinclusionandkindnessmustbesustainedinordertocreateeffectivechangeandreducesocialisolationinclassrooms,schoolsandcommunitiesacrosstheUnitedStates.Oneofthebestwaystoimplementsustainedactivityistoletyoungpeopleleadthecharge,lookingtoanadultchampionforoccasionalsupportandguidance.ThefollowingareideasandbestpracticestohelpyousupportyoungpeopleinplanningandleadingtheirStartWithHellosustainabilityplanafterStartWithHelloWeekhascomeandgone.Ifyouandtheyoungpeopleyouworkwithhaveadditionalideas,we’dlovetohearthemandsharethemwithothers!Pleaseemailusat:startwithhello@sandyhookpromise.orgStudentClub:

• CreateStartWithHelloclubsorStartWithHelloYouthAmbassadorswhotakealeadershiproleinfosteringconnectionandreducingisolationwithintheirclassroomsandschools.

• AddaStartWithHelloinitiativeorcharterintoanexistingclub,perhapsonerelatedtomentoringorcivicresponsibility.

• AskolderstudentstomentorandpassdownStartWithHelloresponsibilitiestoyoungerstudentsandcarryStartWithHellofromyeartoyear.

• RecruitorbecomeaStartWithHelloadultchampionwithinyourschooloryouthorganizationandsupportyouthinorganizingStartWithHelloactivitiesthroughouttheyear.

• Inviteyouthservingorganizationsthatyourschoolhasexistingrelationshipswith,suchasBoyScouts,GirlScouts,theYMCA,YWCA,BigBrothers/BigSisters,afterschoolprograms,littleleaguesorBoysandGirlsClubtojoinyoureffortsandcontinuetheStartWithHelloconversationwithintheirprograms.

Events:

• CreateaStartWithHelloeventorinformationaltableduringparentconferences,sports,musicandtheatereventsthroughouttheyear.

• Hostregular“MixYourClique”days–orbetteryet–askyourStartWithHelloStudentLeadersorClubtoorganizeandleadthesedayswherestudentsintentionallyhangoutwithotherstheydon’tyetknow.

• Takeadvantageofholidaysorspecialeventsyourschoolmightalreadybeparticipatingin–suchasValentine’sDayorHomecoming–anduseitasatimetoreinforceactsofkindnesstowardsoneanother.

• DesignateStartWithHellodaysorweeksthroughouttheyear.Tieinwithfunactivities,suchasdresslikeaStartWithHellosuperheroorpracticethethemes

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fromtheStartWithHelloicebreakersthroughouttheyear.Lookforwaystosharethesewithintheschool,suchassocialmediaandmorningannouncements,aswellaswithinthelargercommunity,suchascommunitynewspapers.

• Tieinwithotherorganization’sno-costeventsandresources,includingBeyondDifferences®‘NoOneEatsAlone®Day’ortheSouthernPovertyLawCenter’sTeachingTolerance‘MixItUp’Day.Moreinformationonbothoftheseeventscanbefoundat:http://www.nooneeatsalone.org/orhttp://www.tolerance.org/mix-it-up/get-started.

• AssignaStartWithHellohomeworkassignment1-2timesthroughouttheyear.Tieitwithyourcurriculum.

• Checkinwithstudentssoyouknowhowyoucanhelpandsupportthem.ConsidertryingthisideafromaMathTeacher:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/this-brilliant-math-teacher-has-a-formula-to-save-kids-lives_b_4899349.html

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StartWithHelloWeekPlanningGuideStep6:ReportingBackandStartWithHelloContestsandAwardsLastly,animportantpartofyourschooloryouthorganization’sStartWithHelloWeekisthatitistakingplaceinconcertwithhundredsofotherschoolsacrossthecountry.Thecollectiveenergy,reachandlearningthathappensduringStartWithHelloWeekbuildsuponeachschoolandyouthorganization’seffortstoreachandempowermoreyoungpeopletoreducesocialisolation,buildconnectedandinclusivecommunitiesandsavelives!TofullycapturethereachofStartWithHelloWeek,wemustbeabletocollectdata,informationandstoriestosharebackandcelebrate.YouwillreceiveanelectronicsurveytocompletefollowingStartWithHelloWeek.Weaskthatyoupleasecompletethissurvey.Inadditiontotheonlinesurvey,SandyHookPromisewillofferparticipatingStartWithHelloschoolsandyouthgroupsaninvitationtoapplyforaStartWithHelloaward.Oneschooloryouthorganizationwillbechosenfora$10,000StartWithHelloAward.SandyHookPromisewillalsogivehonorarymentionandpubliclyacknowledgeschoolsandyouthorganizationsthatexceedinthebestpracticeareasofcreativityandownership,communityreachandsustainability.FormoreinformationontheStartWithHelloAward,includingatimelineforsubmittingStartWithHelloentries,completerulesandawardcriteria,atimelineandtheawardapplication,pleasevisit:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhelloaward.

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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloinaDayThissampleStartWithHelloinaDaytemplateprovidesasexampleofhowyourschooloryouthorganizationcanorganizeandimplementStartWithHellooverthecourseofoneday.Manyoftheactivitiescanbeimplementedinjustafewminutesandatno-costaspartofregularlyscheduledactivities.Whiletakingverylittletimetoimplement,theseactivitiesstillincorporatethebestpracticesofstudentparticipation,creativityandownership,communityreach,andsustainability.

• Askstudentsandstafftoweargreenorhavethemdresslikea“StartWithHello”superherotobringgreaterawarenesstoStartWithHelloWeek.

• HangStartWithHellopostersaroundtheschool/youthorganization.StudentscancreatetheirownStartWithHellopostersoryoucandownloadandprintStartWithHellopostersfromSandyHookPromiseat:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhelloweek.

• Changeyourschool’savatartotheStartWithHellologoandpostinformationaboutStartWithHelloonyourwebsiteandsocialmediasites.YoucandownloadtheStartWithHellologoat:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/startwithhelloweek.

• AskasmallgroupofyoungpeopletoshareaStartWithHellomessageorleadaStartWithHelloicebreakerduringthemorningannouncement.

• Dependingonthetimeavailable,presenta20-minuteto40-minuteStartWithHelloprogramduringanallschoolassemblyorwithintheclassroom.

• PutStartWithHelloicebreakersorconversationstartersonlunchroomtablesandhostaNoOneEatsAlone®DayonFebruary12th.Recruityouthambassadorstohelpleadconversationsoverlunch.MoreinformationonNoOneEatsAlone®Day,aninitiativeofBeyondDifferences®,isavailablehttp://www.nooneeatsalone.org/.

• Encouragestudentsandstafftotakeaselfiewithatweet,Instagramorposttellingeveryone,“Iwill#StartWithHello”.Askthemtotagyourschooland#SandyHookPromiseandtrackandpromotehowmanypeopleparticipate.

• SendaletteroremailhometoparentsandcaretakersandaskthemtocontinuetheconversationandreinforceStartWithHelloathome.Encourageparents/caretakerstoasktheirchildwhattheylearnedaboutStartWithHello.

• SendapressreleaseoralettertotheeditortoyourlocalnewspaperornewsstationsharingwhatyourschooloryouthorganizationisdoingtoempoweryoungpeopletoreducesocialisolationandStartWithHello.

• AssignaStartWithHellohomeworkassignment,suchasacreativewritingassignment,oraskyoungpeopletotryoutthedifferentStartWithHelloicebreakersduringclassortheschoolday.

• ScheduledatesontheschoolcalendartoincorporateotherStartWithHelloactivitiesthroughouttheyear.Tieitwithyourcurriculum.

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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloinaWeekThissampleStartWithHelloWeek-longtemplateprovidesanexampleofhowyourschooloryouthorganizationcanimplementStartWithHelloactivitiesthroughouttheentireweek.Whiletakingverylittletimetoimplement,theseactivitiesincorporatethebestpracticesofstudentparticipation,creativityandownership,communityreachandsustainability.Monday:

• KickoffStartWithHelloWeekbyusingaStartWithHelloicebreakereachmorningoratthestartofclass.

• Dependingontimeavailable,presenta20-minuteto40-minuteStartWithHelloprogramduringanallschoolassemblyorwithintheclassroom.ConsiderhavinganexistingStudentCluborStudentLeadersdeliverportionsoftheprogram.

• DistributeStartWithHellostickersorwristbandstoyoungpeople.Askthemtowearthemthroughouttheweek…perhapspassingthemontosharewithotherstheyseereachingoutorconnecting.YoucanorderStartWithHellostickersandwristbandsonlinefromSandyHookPromiseatno-costwhilesupplieslastwhenyousignupyourschooloryouthorganizationtoparticipateinStartWithHelloWeek.

• ChangeyourschoolsavatartotheStartWithHellologoandpostinformationaboutStartWithHelloonyourwebsiteandsocialmediasiteseachdaythroughoutStartWithHelloWeek.

Tuesday

• HostaStartWithHellopostermakingcontest,orothercontestoverthelunchhours,studyhalls,orafterschool.

• SetupaStartWithHellotableatschoolactivities,suchasathleticeventsandschoolconcerts.

• EncouragestudentstowritepositiveandencouragingnotestoeachotherusingstickynotesandputonlockersoraStartWithHellowall.

• HighlightadifferentStartWithHelloicebreakerorthemeeachdayduringtheweek,suchasaRandomActsofKindnessDayorGettoKnowMeScavengerHunt.

Wednesday• CreateaStartWithHellohomeworkassignment,suchasacreativewriting

assignmentorpoem.Askstudentstoworkonitwiththeirparentsorcaretakers.• Sendhomealettertoparents/caretakersoremailparents/caretakersaboutthe

StartWithHelloactivitieshappeninginyourschooloryouthorganizationthisweek.EncourageparentstoreadtheStartWithHelloparentresourceguideandcontinuetheconversationaboutinclusionwithinthehome.

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• Considerimplementinga“HeyDay”StartWithHelloicebreaker.Giveeachstudentanametagtowearandencouragethemtogreetothersbytheirfirstnameinthehallway,lunchroomorclassroom.

Thursday

• CreateaStartWithHellopledgewall.Encouragestudentsandstaffaliketotakeapictureoftheminfrontofthepledgewallwithatweet,Instagramorposttellingeveryone,“Iwill#StartWithHello”.Askthemtotagyourschooland#SandyHookPromiseandtrackandpromotehowmanystudents,teachersandadministratorsparticipate.

• Organizea“MixYourClique”daywiththehelpofyouthleaders.• AskstudentstodressuplikeStartWithHelloSuperHeroes.

Friday

• Endtheweek’sactivitiesbyorganizingawearGreenday.• ParticipateinNoOneEatsAlone®DayonFebruary12th.NoOneEatsAlone®

DayisaprogramfromBeyondDifferences®.Thisyear,NoOneEatsAlone®DaywillbeheldnationallyonFebruary12,duringSandyHookPromise’sStartWithHelloWeek.MoreaboutNoOneEatsAlone®DayandBeyondDifferences®,anorganizationalfriendtoSandyHookPromise,canbefoundat:http://www.nooneeatsalone.org

• Invitetheschoolboard,localelectedofficials,policechieforothercommunityleaderstoattendandparticipateinyourNoOneEatsAlone®DayorbepartofaStartWithHellopresentationorconversationinyourschoolorclassroom.Considerinvitingparentstoattend.

• Havetheschoolboard,localelectedofficials,lawenforcementorothercommunityleaders,includingthestudentcouncil,presentaStartWithHelloproclamation.

• InvitethelocalmediatoattendandcovertheNoOneEatsAlone®dayandStartWithHelloproclamationevent.

• Identifyanadultchampionwithinyourschooloryouthorganization(itcouldbeyou!)toserveasapointpersonforstartingaStartWithHelloClubwithinyourschooloryouthorganization.AskyouthleadersinterestedinjoiningtheClubtodeterminehowyourschooloryouthorganizationwillcarryStartWithHelloforwardandsketchoutacalendarthatcouldincludesmall,yetmeaningfulStartWithHelloactivitiesonaweekly,monthlyorquarterlybasis.

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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloPressRelease

[InsertYourSchool/YouthOrganizationandStartWithHelloLogoHere]

MEDIAADVISORY[InsertDate]PRESSCONTACT[InsertContactname,phonenumberandemailhere]

[InsertNameofSchool/YouthOrganization]EmpowersYoungPeopletoStartWithHelloandBuildaConnectedandInclusiveCommunity

NameofSchool/YouthOrganizationsPromotesNationalStartWithHelloWeekWHAT:[Insertnameofschool/youthorganization]inpartnershipwithSandyHookPromise,anational,nonprofitorganizationledbyseveralfamilymemberswhoselovedoneswerekilledinthetragicmassshootingatSandyHookElementarySchoolistakingpartinNationalStartWithHelloWeek,February8–12,2016.StartwithHelloteachesstudents,grades2-12,theskillstheyneedtoreachouttoandincludethosewhomaybedealingwithchronicsocialisolationandcreateacultureofinclusionandconnectednesswithintheirschooloryouthorganization.Socialisolationistheoverwhelmingfeelingofbeingleftout,lonely,ortreatedlikeyouareinvisible.ItisagrowingepidemicintheUnitedStatesandwithinourschools.Excessivefeelingsofisolationcanbeassociatedwithviolentandsuicidalbehavior.Infact,onestudyreportsthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofanearlydeathby14%.Furthermore,youngpeoplewhoareisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepression.Asaresult,manyfurtherpullawayfromsociety,strugglewithlearningandsocialdevelopmentand/orchoosetohurtthemselvesorothers.StartWithHello(SWH)WeekraisesawarenessandeducatesstudentsandthecommunitythroughStartWithHellotrainings,advertising,activities,publicproclamations,mediaevents,contestsandschoolscholarshipawards.StartWithHelloWeekbringsattentiontothegrowingepidemicofsocialisolationinourschoolsandcommunitiesandempowersyoungpeopletocreateacultureofinclusionandconnectednesswithintheirschooloryouthorganization.[Insertnameofyourschooloryouthorganization]isjoininghundredsofotherschoolsfromacrosstheUnitedStatesinparticipatinginStartWithHelloWeek,February8-12,2016.

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Theweeklongseriesofeventsincludes[inserttheStartWithHelloprogram,eventsandactivitiesyourschool/youthorganizationisplanning].[Insertnameofschool/youthorganization]andSandyHookPromiseisaskingschools,studentclubs,parentsandcommunityleaderstovisitwww.sandyhookpromise.org/bringStartWithHellotolearnhowtobeginusingtheStartWithHelloprogramresourcesintheirclassrooms,schools,communitiesandhomes.

WHEN: [Insertthedateandtimeofyourschool/youthorganization’sStart

WithHelloevent(s)]WHERE: [Insertyourschool/youthorganization’saddress]WHO: [Insertthenamesofthoseparticipatinginyourschool/youth

organizationStartWithHelloevents,suchas“studentleaders”,administrators,Mayororothernotablepeopleattending.]

VisualandInterviewOpportunitiesInclude:

o Interview–[Insertthenamesofthoseavailabletoparticipateinaninterview,suchasstudentleaders,youthmembersoftheStartWithHelloplanninggrouporclub,teachers,guidancecounselors,schooladministrators,schoolboardmembers,orotherleadersfromthecommunityparticipatinginyourschooloryouthorganization’sStartWithHelloWeek.]

o Capture–[insertadescriptionofthevisualactivitiy(ies)takingplace,suchasstudents,teachers/administratorsdiscussingStartWithHelloandaskingquestions,astudentassemblyoraStartWithHellopledgewall.]

About[YourSchool/YouthOrganization]Includeyourschooloryouthorganization’sdescriptionormissionstatementhere.AboutSandyHookPromiseSandyHookPromise,anational,nonprofitorganizationbasedinNewtown,Connecticut,isledbyseveralfamilieswholostlovedonesinthetragicmassshootingatSandyHookElementarySchoolonDecember14,2012thatclaimedthelivesof20first-gradersand6educators.Theorganizationisfocusedonpreventinggunviolence(andallviolence)BEFOREithappensbyeducatingandmobilizingparents,schoolsandcommunitiesonmentalhealthandwellnessprogramsthatidentify,interveneandhelpat-riskindividuals.SHPisamoderate,above-the-politicsorganizationthatsupportssensiblenon-policyandpolicysolutionsthatprotectchildrenandpreventgunviolence.Ourintentistohonorallvictimsofgunviolencebyturningourtragedyintoamomentoftransformation.Learnhowtogetinvolvedatwww.sandyhookpromise.org.

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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloWeekLettertotheEditorHaveyoueverfeltlonely,invisibleoralone?Nowimaginefeelingthatwayeveryday.Ineveryschoolandineverycommunity,includingin[insertthenameofyourcityortown]thereareyoungpeoplewhosuffersilentlybecausetheyfeelleftout,aloneorisolated.SocialisolationisagrowingepidemicintheUnitedStatesandwithinourschools.Excessivefeelingsofisolationcanbeassociatedwithviolentandsuicidalbehavior.Infact,onestudyreportsthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofanearlydeathby14%.Furthermore,youngpeoplewhoareisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepression.Asaresult,manyfurtherpullawayfromsociety,strugglewithlearningandsocialdevelopmentand/orchoosetohurtthemselvesorothers.Thegoodnewsisthatwecandosomethingaboutthis.Wecanencourageandsupporttheyoungpeoplein[insertnameofyourschool,youthorganization,city,townorstate]toendsocialisolationandcreatemoreconnectedandinclusiveclassrooms,schoolsandcommunities–anditdoesn’tcostacent![Insertthenameofyourschooloryouthorganization]isjoiningSandyHookPromiseandhundredsofotherschoolsandyouthorganizationsacrosstheUnitedStatesinparticipatinginStartWithHelloWeekthisFebruary8-12.StartWithHelloisaneasy-to-implementandno-costprogramthatteachesstudents,grades2-12,theskillstheyneedtoreachouttoandincludethosewhomaybedealingwithchronicsocialisolationandcreateacultureofinclusionandconnectedness.Inadditiontoyoungpeople,StartWithHellowillbenefiteducators,administrators,communitybasedorganizationleadersandparents.Bybuildingacultureofinclusionandconnectedness,schoolsandcommunitiescanbettersupporttheiryoungpeopleandreducetheirriskofbullying,violenceanddepression.TolearnmoreabouthowyoucanbringStartWithHellotoyourschool,organizationorcommunity–orhowtosupportouryoungpeopletoStartWithHello,pleasevisitSandyHookPromiseat:www.sandyhookpromise.org

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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloWeekEmail/LettertoParents/CaretakersDearParents/Caretakers,ThisFebruary8–12,yourchildwillbetakingpartinStartWithHelloWeekat[insertthenameofyourschooloryouthorganization].StartwithHelloteachesstudents,grades2-12,theskillstheyneedtoreachouttoandincludethosewhomaybedealingwithchronicsocialisolationandcreateacultureofinclusionandconnectednesswithintheirclassroom,schooloryouthorganization.Socialisolationistheoverwhelmingfeelingofbeingleftout,lonely,ortreatedlikeyouareinvisible.ItisagrowingepidemicintheUnitedStatesandwithinourschools.Excessivefeelingsofisolationcanbeassociatedwithviolentandsuicidalbehavior.Infact,onestudyreportsthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofanearlydeathby14%.Furthermore,youngpeoplewhoareisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepression.Asaresult,manyfurtherpullawayfromsociety,strugglewithlearningandsocialdevelopmentand/orchoosetohurtthemselvesorothers.

WeencourageyoutotalktoyourchildabouttheStartWithHelloprogramandaskthemtosharewhattheyhavelearned.Notonlywillthathelpyoulearnhowtosupportyourchildtoseeisolation,reachoutandconnect,andStartWithHello,italsodemonstratestoyourchildthatyoutakethissubjectseriouslyandcansupportthemintheiractionstocreateamoreconnectedandinclusivehome,classroom,schoolandcommunity.FormoreinformationonStartWithHelloandtosignuptoreceivetheStartWithHelloParentGuide,pleasevisit:http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/bringstartwithhello.Thankyou,[Insertnameofyourschooloryouthorganization]

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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleFacebookPosts

1. Students!#StartWithHelloWeekwilltakeplacefromFebruary8th-12th!Joinusforaweekofactivitiesaimedateasingsocialisolationandpromotingkindnessandinclusion!http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb

2. [NameofSchool]willbeparticipatinginthisyear’s#StartWithHelloweekfromFebruary8th-12th!Therewillbemanyactivitiesthroughouttheweektoincreasesocialinclusioninourschoolcommunitytomakesurenooneisleftoutandeveryonehasafriend.http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb

3. StartingMonday[NameofSchool]willbegin#StartWithHelloWeek!Thisweekwillfocusonincludingpeerswhomaybeisolatedorleftoutofday-to-dayschoolactivities.It’saseasyasstartingwith“Hello”!http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb

4. This[DayofWeek],we’regoingtomakesureNoOneEatsAlone®!Youngpeoplewhoarechronicallyisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepression.Let’sdoourparttoeasesocialisolationbysittingandeatingwithsomeonenewtoday!http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb

5. Here’swhatwehaveplannedat[NameofSchool]for#StartWithHelloWeek![ListActivitiesbyday].Pleasejoinusforaweekoffunandmakingnewfriends!

6. Mondayisthestartof#StartWithHelloWeek!Visithttp://www.sandyhookpromise.org/bringstartwithhellotofindoutmoreaboutthisgreat,student-ledsocialinclusionCalltoActionweek!

7. Didyoumeetsomeoneamazingorlearnsomethingnewaboutsomeoneyou’veknownforawhile?Postyour#HelloSelfiewithyourfriendsfrom#StartWithHelloweektoshowus!

8. Haveyouused#StartWithHellotomakeanewfriendthisweek?Shareyour#HelloSelfietoshowuswhatyou’vebeenupto!

9. Wesignedupfor#StartWithHelloWeektoencouragestudentstobemoreinclusive&kindtohelpcreateasafer&happierschoolcommunityforusall.http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb

10. DIDYOUKNOW?Studiessuggestthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofanearlydeathby14%.#StartWithHellotomakeadifferencetoday!http://bit.ly/215VRKk

Tweets(canalsobeusedforInstagramcaptions):PleasekeepinmindcharacterlimitonTweets:someofthesefittotheexact140mark,otherscanbecustomized.

1. It’salmost#StartWithHelloWeek!Getreadytomakenewfriendsandhavealotoffunwithusat[NameofSchool].

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2. #StartWithHelloWeekisalmosthere!Whatareyoulookingforwardtolearningthisweek?[AttachSWHlogo]

3. Mondayisthestartof#StartWithHelloWeek!Visitwww.sandyhookpromise.org/bringstartwithhellotofindoutmore!

4. [Onwhateverdayworks]TodaywearemakingsureNoOneEatsAlone®!Use#StartWithHellotomeetsomeonenewtositwithatlunchtoday!

5. Socialisolationcanhappenanywhereinourschool.Howwillyoumeetsomeonenewtoday?#StartWithHello

6. Didyoumakeanewconnectionduring#StartWithHelloWeek?Tweetusa#HelloSelfietoshowus!

7. Tweetusa#HelloSelfieor#StartWithHellotoshowussomeoftheactivitiesyou’vebeenapartofduring#StartWIthHelloWeek!

8. DIDYOUKNOW?Studiessuggestthatchroniclonelinessincreasesourriskofearlydeathby14%.#StartWithHellotomakeadifferencetoday!

9. IPromise:ThisweekIwill#StartWithHellotocreateamoreinclusive,happy,andsafeschoolcommunity&helpeasesocialisolation.http://bit.ly/215VRKk

10. We'lluse#StartWithHellotoencouragestudentstobemoreinclusive&helpcreateasafer&happiercommunity.http://bit.ly/1OTbkcb

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StartWithHelloWeekResourcesSampleStartWithHelloProclamationforCommunityLeadersThissampleStartWithHelloproclamationcanbeusedwithMayors/CityCouncils,PoliceChiefs/Sheriffs,CountyGovernment,SchoolBoard,StudentCouncils,Governorsorotherelectedofficials.Whereas,socialisolationistheoverwhelmingfeelingofbeingleftout,lonely,ortreatedlikeyouareinvisible,andWhereas,socialisolationisagrowingepidemicintheUnitedStatesandwithinourschools,andWhereas,excessivefeelingsofisolationcanbeassociatedwithviolentandsuicidalbehavior,andWhereas,youngpeoplewhoareisolatedcanbecomevictimsofbullying,violenceand/ordepressionandasaresult,manyfurtherpullawayfromsociety,strugglewithlearningandsocialdevelopmentand/orchoosetohurtthemselvesorothers,and

Whereas,StartwithHelloteachesstudents,grades2-12,theskillstheyneedtoreachouttoandincludethosewhomaybedealingwithchronicsocialisolationandcreateacultureofinclusionandconnectednesswithintheirschooloryouthorganization,andWhereas,inadditiontoyoungpeople,StartWithHellowillbenefiteducators,administrators,communitybasedorganizationleadersandparents,andWhereas,bybuildingacultureofinclusionandconnectedness,schoolsandcommunitiescanbettersupporttheiryoungpeopleandreducetheirriskofbullying,violenceanddepression,andWhereas,SandyHookPromise,anational,non-profitorganizationledbyfamilymemberswhoselovedoneswerekilledinthetragicmassshootingatSandyHookElementarySchoolonDecember14,2012supportssensiblesolutionsthatprotectchildrenandpreventgunviolencebybringingindividualsandcommunitiestogethertolookoutforandcareforoneanother;andWhereas,oneofSandyHookPromise’scoreviolencepreventionprograms,StartWithHello,isbeingcelebratedaspartofnationalStartWithHelloWeek,February8-12,2016at[insertthenameofyourschooloryouthorganization];andWhereas,throughStartWithHello,youngpeoplewillbuildamoreconnectedandinclusiveclassroom,schoolandcommunity,

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Therefore,I,[InsertnameandtitleofElectedOfficial]of[insertnameofCityandState],dorecognizeandcommemoratetheimportanceofthisprogramandherbyproclaim[InsertDate]tobe

StartWithHelloDay

IntheCity/State/Schoolof[InsertCityName]andencourageallourcitizenstorecognizethesignificanceofStartWithHello.