Hampton Bays Middle School students recently took part in Sandy Hook Promise’s annual Start With Hello Week.

Start With Hello aims to teach students the skills they need to reach out to those who may be dealing with social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their classroom, school and community.

During the weeklong program, run by the middle school’s counseling department, student leaders greeted their peers at the front door each morning, and all students participated in activities that encouraged peer-to-peer interaction and communication. Family members also took part in the initiative during open house by writing positive messages that were shared on a bulletin board in the main hallway. The week culminated with students signing a pledge to be an upstander, exhibit empathy and reach out to peers who may feel alone or isolated.

Date Added: 10/4/2023