Start with hello – Gadsden County High participates in a national initiative that promotes kindness, inclusion, and making connections.

On December 14, 2012 a devastating school shooting happened at Sandy Hook Elementary. Twenty-six people lost their lives, 20 of which were children. The Sandy Hook Promise was created to help prevent shootings, violence, and other harmful acts at school.

So from Nov. 6- Nov. 10, Gadsden County High School participated in “Start with Hello Week,” which included several call to action events for the school. The week was dedicated to kindness, inclusion, and making connections.

“A simple ‘hello’ has the power to break down barriers, forge connections, and build a stronger, more compassionate community. In the face of tragedy, we choose to respond with the most potent weapon of all: kindness,” said Mary Miller, Gadsden County High School’s School Social Worker.

The week’s events included the following:

Monday: “Hello, my name is….” Each student was tasked with introducing themselves to 3 others they don’t normally speak to and call them by name. In addition, they were tasked with inviting someone to sit with them at lunch if they were seen sitting or standing alone.

Tuesday: “Appreciate Upstanders Who Reach Out and Help Others.” Faculty, staff, and students nominated individuals who have acted as “upstanders” in the school community.

Wednesday: “Wear Green to Symbolize Unity & Solidarity.” Green was worn school-wide to promote unity, inclusivity, and solidarity with the Sandy Hook Promise. Gadsden County High School faculty, staff and students adopted a school-wide promise to “Always Start with Hello.”

Thursday: “Thank A Trusted Adult Who Spreads Start with Hello.” Students were able to nominate an adult on campus who they felt was someone they trusted and could feel safe being vulnerable with.

Spaces were created to highlight and showcase the “Trusted Adult” and “Upstander” nominees. These will be posted around campus for the remainder of the school year to remind others that there are trusted adults on campus.

“Start with Hello Week” was very fun and needed,” senior Brooke Hill said. “We had never heard of this before. Mrs. Miller made us talk to new people and see new people.”

Hill said her favorite part of the week was wearing green school-wide.

“It was like we were one big family,” Hill added.

Freshman Jalisia Donaldson also said “Start with Hello Week” helped her to get to know more people.

“My favorite activity was the beach ball icebreaker where you would catch the ball and answer the question closest to you,” Donaldson said.

“I felt it was essential for Gadsden County High School faculty, staff, and students to experience what it feels like to be seen, to be heard and to be included. “Start with Hello Week” isn’t just a response to tragedy; it’s a defiance of darkness,” Miller said. “When we say ‘hello,’ we declare our unwavering commitment to a world where kindness conquers cruelty and where connection triumphs over isolation. It’s not just a greeting; it’s a revolution of love.”

This is the first time in the history of Gadsden County that any school has participated in the national initiative.

Erin Hill - Gadsden County News Service

Start with hello – Gadsden County High participates in a national initiative that promotes kindness, inclusion, and making connections.

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Start with hello – Gadsden County High participates in a national initiative that promotes kindness, inclusion, and making connections.

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