Pioneer Middle School Joins Schools Across BCPS and the Country for Sandy Hook Promise’s National Start With Hello Call-to-Action Week

Sandy Hook Promise Logo

WHO: Pioneer Middle School Students, Sandy Hook Promise Representatives, Broward County School Board Members, Superintendent Robert W. Runcie, School and District Staff and Community Members.

WHAT: Sandy Hook Promise is hosting its fourth annual Start With Hello Call-to-Action Week September 24– 28 to promote social inclusion. This year’s kickoff event is at Pioneer Middle School.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Pioneer Middle School 5350 SW 90th Ave, Cooper City, FL 33328

WHY: The School Board approved an agreement with Sandy Hook Promise to bring its no-cost prevention programs, such as Start With Hello, into existing or new pro-social clubs at schools across the District.

Start With Hello Week enables students to make a difference with their peers in a simple, fun and impactful way by encouraging them to take small but powerful actions that promote connectedness and inclusion, and to identify and help others who show signs of social isolation.

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, especially within schools. Young people who are isolated may struggle with learning and social development, and can become victims of bullying, violence and/or depression.

During the week of September 24 – 28, Start With Hello will teach students in grades two through 12 at thousands of schools across the country, the skills they need to reach out to and include those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation. This free and effective program can be taught by Sandy Hook Promise trained presenters in the classrooms or assemblies, or it can be self-led by schools downloading the digital curriculum.

ABOUT SANDY HOOK PROMISE: Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) is a national, nonprofit organization based in Newtown, Connecticut. We are led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012 that claimed the lives of 20 first-graders and 6 educators. SHP is focused on preventing gun violence (and other forms of violence and victimization) BEFORE it happens by educating and mobilizing youth and adults on mental health and wellness programs that identify, intervene and help at-risk individuals. SHP is a moderate, above-the-politics organization that supports sensible non-policy and policy solutions that protect children and prevent gun violence. Our intent is to honor all victims of gun violence by turning our tragedy into a moment of transformation. For more information, visit http://www.sandyhookpromise.org/ or call 203-304-9780.

 MEDIA ARE INVITED TO COVER THIS EVENT.

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second-largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has more than 271,500 students and approximately 175,000 adult students in 234 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 204 different countries and 191 different languages. Connect with BCPS: visit the website at browardschools.com, follow BCPS on Twitter @browardschools and Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, and download the free BCPS mobile app.

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