By Addison Schwing – Editorial and News Editor

This year, Jonathan Law is teaming up with Sandy Hook Promise to encourage students to “start with hello.”

Last week, the Jonathan Law Natural Helpers Club announced the beginning of the “Start With Hello” campaign at Law, which aims to combat violence in schools. Natural Helpers Club President and Senior Morgan Taylor hope that this program will do some good in combating social isolation and making Law’s social environment better for everyone. 

“ ‘Start With Hello’ is the idea that helping people can be as simple as saying hello,” Taylor said. “By approaching others and making them feel included, we can make this school have a better environment.”

Sandy Hook Promise is a nonprofit organization formed by parents of victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012. “Start With Hello” was started by the organization to be implemented in schools across the nation to combat a rise in in-school violence. A representative from Sandy Hook Promise visited Law on September 23-24 to talk to students about their program and about how to help their fellow classmates in their time of need. 

School Psychologist Ms. D’Angelo works with Sandy Hook Promise. She believes that students should be the driving force of change at Law to support others. 

“Students are old enough to take responsibility, are more independent, and will rely on their friends as their confidants,” D’Angelo said.

The driving idea behind “Start With Hello” is the three-step process, which follows a straightforward formula: 1. See someone alone, 2. Reach out and help, 3. Start by saying hello.

Dean of Students Mr. Ragaini hopes that this program will help create a “culture of inclusion” at Law. 

“Social isolation is the overwhelming feeling of being left out, lonely, or treated like you are invisible,” Ragaini said. “Students who feel this way may pull away from society, struggle with learning and social development, or choose to hurt themselves or others. ‘Start With Hello’ teaches our students how to minimize social isolation and empathize with others.”

The Natural Helpers Club hopes to continue the positive momentum of the “Start With Hello” presentation. Taylor broke down some events the Natural Helpers plan to host this year. 

“The Natural Helpers are going to implement a lot of the ideas presented in the assembly,” she said. “We are planning to do a ‘Hey Day’ sometime soon. Hey Day is when we give out name tags to each student and ask everyone to meet someone new and ask them a few questions.” 

Natural Helpers meets weekly to plan events geared towards helping other students. For further questions, look for Taylor and other Natural Helpers, as well as advisor Mrs. Mercaldi.