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Hillsborough County Public Schools, Florida
Tuesday, 09/08/2020
School Board Meeting
Title

A01 - Adoption of Proclamation - Start With Hello Call to Action Week - September 21 - September 25, 2020 (Climate and Culture)

Description

The importance of violence prevention and intervention to support a positive school culture cannot be understated.  Sandy Hook Promise is a national non-profit organization founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.  Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) aims to continue our partnership with Sandy Hook Promise to promote and implement violence prevention and community building initiatives such as the "Start With Hello" and "Say Something" programs.  Sandy Hook Promise's mission is to create a culture engaged in preventing shootings, violence, and other harmful acts in schools.  The Start With Hello program enables students to make a difference with their peers in simple, fun, and impactful ways by encouraging them to take small but powerful actions to promote connectedness and inclusion, and to identify and help others who are showing signs of social isolation.

The Start With Hello Call to Action Week will be held September 21 - September 25, 2020.  Start With Hello Week celebrates the amazing work of educators, students, and community members in building socially inclusive learning environments for all students.  In addition, Start With Hello Week raise awareness about social isolation and educate students on how to prevent it through Start With Hello training, activities, public proclamations, media events, student contests, and school awards.  Activities can include violence prevention poster contest, acts of kindness, and other inclusive activities that involve all the students.

Gap Analysis

N/A

Previous Outcomes

In 2019, Sandy Hook Promise selected East Bay High School as one of three 2019 Start With Hello School Award winners in the Southeast region.  East Bay High School was selected over many exceptional entries received by Sandy Hook Promise from across the nation because of their extraordinary work.

The students at East Bay High School participating in Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) Promise Club initiatives, such as Start With Hello, have been recognized for their determination to improve their school culture, reduce social isolation, as well as, prevent violence in all its forms.  For these efforts, East Bay High School has received a Start With Hello award plaque, a stipend of $250 to use towards their future Start With Hello initiatives, and recognition on Sandy Hook Promise's website, social media, and related materials.  During the 2019/2020 school year, 105 school sites participated in Start With Hello Week during September.

Expected Outcomes

We know that in a community context, the degree to which children have access to adequate positive resources, have prosocial and connected relationships with others, and feel safe in their environment can significantly affect their risk for involvement in violent behaviors.  Sandy Hook Promise adopts a comprehensive approach to address those goals and strives to meet the obligation to keep our students safe.  HCPS will continue to increase the number of schools that participate in Sandy Hook Promise initiatives such as Start With Hello in order to promote a positive school culture and welcoming environment for students.

Strategic Plan Goal

Goal 1: To increase mental health awareness in schools and provide protective and proactive measures for school safety.

Strategy 1:1 Obtain an evidence-based tool for staff to use to assist with early identification and intervention strategies for student mental health needs.

Recommendation

Adopt the Proclamation - Start With Hello Call to Action Week, September 21 - September 25, 2020.

Contact

Elizabeth Tanner, Supervisor, Emotional Wellness, Elizabeth.tanner@sdhc.k12.fl.us, (813) 273-4138
Holly Saia, Ed. S., General Director, Student Services, holly.saia@sdhc.k12.fl.us, (813) 273-7136

Financial Impact

None

Review Comments

N/A

Tracye H. Brown, Chief of Climate and Culture (813) 272-4879