Students Celebrate Start With Hello Week

Solon City Schools celebrated Start With Hello Week from Sept. 15-19 as part of our commitment to creating a safer, more connected school environment. The nationwide program, developed by Sandy Hook Promise, teaches students to recognize signs of social isolation and take steps to create a welcoming school culture.

Throughout the week, students across the district participated in activities that encouraged kindness, gratitude and belonging. Elementary students shared positive messages through chalk art and mixed it up at lunch by sitting with new classmates. They used conversation starters to ask open-ended questions such as “What is something you know a lot about?” and “What’s a special skill or talent you’re proud of?”

Conversation starters reinforce Start With Hello Week goals by encouraging students to learn more about one another, discover shared interests and celebrate what makes each person unique.

At Orchard, students enjoyed icebreaker activities such as “This or That,” where they chose between two options such as “dogs or cats?” or “read a book or watch a movie?” They also created labels to show what they are thankful for and wore favorite team jerseys to spark conversations.

At Solon Middle School, students exchanged compliment cards, learned different greetings and posed in photo booths to encourage social interaction. They were also challenged to find common ground by sharing their favorite things. The Start With Hello activities will continue, with students encouraged to reach out to someone new each week throughout the next month.

Solon City Schools is proud to join schools nationwide in building a culture of kindness and empowering students to make meaningful connections. 

Gallery: Start With Hello Week Highlights