10-23-20
Dear CCA Families;
We are pleased to inform you that the Clear Creek Amana Community School District is entering year 2 of "Start With Hello" and it's going to be bigger and better. During the coming weeks (October 24th - November 24th), your child will be taking part in a “Start With Hello” campaign. “Start With Hello” teaches students, elementary through secondary, the skills they need to reach out and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation and create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their classroom, school or youth organization. Last year, over 12,000 schools from across the United States participated in the “Start With Hello” call to action to highlight and spread the message of the power of Start With Hello’s three simple steps:
- See Someone Alone
- Reach Out and Help
- Start With Hello
Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated like you are invisible. It is a growing epidemic in the United States and within our schools. According to a 2018 survey of 20,000 adults, nearly 50% of Americans reported sometimes or always feeling alone. Excessive feelings of isolation can be associated with violent and suicidal behavior. 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. The positive news is that there are cures for disconnection and loneliness if we reach out and help one another.
We encourage you to talk to your child about the “Start With Hello” program and ask them to share what they have learned. Not only will that help you learn how to support your child to identify isolation, reach out and connect, and “Start With Hello,” it also demonstrates to your child that you take this subject seriously and can support them in their actions to create a more connected and inclusive home, classroom, school and community.
Below, you will find a description of the activities that will occur throughout the Start with Hello campaign:
Week 1 (Oct 26 - 30)- Students will learn about mental illness, discuss the importance behind mental health awareness, and on October 29th ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF DISTRICT WIDE will wear green as a means of raising awareness and addressing the stigma associated with mental illness
Week 2 (Nov 2 - 6)- Students will show gratitude toward themselves and others through tailored activities
Weeks 3 & 4 (Nov 16 - 24) - Students will get to know one another (within their cohort) then branch out and get to know other students outside of their cohort (through the use of virtual capabilities)
This year, we are offering these activities to students at the Elementary and Middle School levels. Due to the hybrid model that our High School students are following, we are unable to implement the campaign during class time. However, “Start with Hello” is a district-wide initiative and our High School students are encouraged to participate on their own, as desired and able.
Thank you for supporting the Start With Hello Week!