Los Alamitos Unified Students Discover the Power of a Simple Hello

The following is a press release from the  Los Alamitos Unified School District and does not reflect editorial work done by Spotlight Schools. Submit a press release to Spotlight Schools by emailing hello@spotlightschools.com.

Students and staff across the Los Alamitos Unified School District spent last week focusing on something simple that can make a big difference: saying hello and making sure others feel seen, included and connected.

Schools throughout the District participated in Start With Hello Week, a national initiative from Sandy Hook Promise designed to teach students how to recognize social isolation, reach out to someone who may feel alone or left out, and help create school communities where every student feels a sense of belonging.

Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization founded and led by family members whose loved ones were killed in the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The organization works to help prevent violence in schools and communities through education and prevention programs that teach students and adults how to recognize warning signs, reach out to others and get help when someone may be at risk.

Start With Hello is one of the organization’s school-based prevention programs and focuses specifically on reducing social isolation and strengthening connections among students. The idea is simple: students can learn to recognize when someone may feel isolated, take the first step to reach out and help create an environment where their peers feel welcomed and included.

Led by Los Alamitos Unified school counselors, Start With Hello Week included activities, conversations and daily opportunities for students and staff to put those lessons into action. 

At campuses across the District, students were greeted as they arrived at school each morning, setting the tone for a week centered on connection. Students and staff participated together in activities that encouraged them to reach out to others, include someone new and recognize how even a small gesture can have an impact on someone’s day.

The week also gave counselors an opportunity to reinforce messages they focus on throughout the school year, including building healthy relationships, supporting student wellness and making sure students know they have trusted adults on campus they can turn to when they need help.

While Start With Hello Week lasted just a few days, its message is one Los Alamitos Unified hopes students carry with them throughout the school year: notice others, make connections and never underestimate the power of a simple hello.