Students at Upper Valley Career Center (UVCC) are participating in Start with Hello Week, joining schools and communities across the country in an effort to create meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging.
Start with Hello is a national annual initiative created by Sandy Hook Promise that encourages students to make new social connections and take simple steps to include others. Throughout the week, UVCC students and staff participated in a different themed activity each day.
The week kicked off with Meet and Greet Monday. Students received name tags to encourage them to meet new people and greet each other by name. Members of UVCC's career-tech student organizations also greeted students as they arrived in the morning.
Tuesday was Upstander Tuesday, highlighting students who take simple, prosocial actions to include and support others. Staff members had the opportunity to nominate students as Upstanders, and the students' names were displayed throughout the school.
On Wear Green Wednesday, students and staff were encouraged to wear green as a symbol of unity, inclusivity and solidarity.
Thursday focused on Trusted Adult Thursday. During lunch, UVCC counselors passed out cookies and gave students the opportunity to write cards to staff members who have helped make their transition to UVCC an easier one.
The week will conclude with Photo Booth Friday, featuring a picnic-themed backdrop created by UVCC's Interactive Media students. Students will have the opportunity to take photos with friends and receive "Let's Bee Friends" cards encouraging them to make new connections.
Through the week's activities, UVCC students have had opportunities to meet new people, recognize those who support others and celebrate the importance of connection and belonging within the school community.