September 25, 2018, San Jose, California:  Payne Elementary School, in partnership with Sandy Hook Promise, a national nonprofit organization is taking part in Start with Hello week this week, September 24-28, 2018.

Start with Hello at Payne will teach students, grades Transitional Kindergarten - 5th, the skills they need to reach out to and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school.

Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated like you are invisible.  Excessive feelings of isolation can be associated with violent and suicidal behavior. In one study, chronic loneliness increases the risk of an early death by 14%.  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.

Start with Hello Week raises awareness and educates students and the community through Start with Hello activities, bringing attention to the growing epidemic of social isolation in our schools and communities and empowers young people to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school.  

The weeklong series of events at Payne, includes:

• Meet someone new Monday
• Try a different language Tuesday
• Wave Hello Wednesday
• Thumbs Up Thursday
• Fist Bump Friday, including Payne’s annual Parents on Patrol event, where parent volunteers are encouraged to spend the morning in their child’s classroom volunteering, and getting to know other classmates and adults on campus

As part of Payne’s participation in Start with Hello week, families are encouraged to talk with their child about the Start with Hello program and ask them what they’ve learned.