Student program noted for ‘making a difference’
At Friday’s “Town Hall” assembly, students at Pembroke School were recognized by members of Sandy Hook Promise for their commitment to reaching out to isolated students and creating a safe and inclusive school environment. SHP is led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in a mass shooting at a Newtown elementary school in December 2012.
James Belden, co-founder of SHP, presented Pembroke principal Dr. Sharon Epple with the award and said “It’s more than we could ever have dreamed of. This is in recognition of what the school is doing and will continue to do.”
Pembroke was one of eight schools to earn this honorable mention award from nearly 600 schools nationwide participating in the February SHP “Call-to-Action” week. In May, Broadview Middle School was presented with a $10,000 check for being named the top school in the nationwide initiative.
Students in schools throughout the district have made “Start with Hello” a part of their daily routine. “Start with Hello” addresses social isolation, a growing epidemic in schools and across the country, and refers to the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely and treated as being invisible. Research supports that excessive feelings of isolation can be associated with violent and suicidal behavior. This program teaches students in grades two through 12 skills necessary to reach out and include those who may be dealing with chronic isolation. It empowers students to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness within their school.
Moxham told the students that feelings of isolation can lead to violence and bullying and they can continue to change that. She encouraged them to continue to look for signs of isolation, reach out to help and start with hello.
“Be that person who notices someone is alone,” she said. “Be that person who reaches out.”