At Haverhill High, it all starts with a simple hello. This week, the health department at the Monument Street campus kicked off “Start With Hello Week” to promote inclusion and social connectedness in schools.
Backed by Sandy Hook Promise, the program takes shape at HHS by students wearing green, staff wrote in a social media message. “Hi helpers” will be circulating the campus throughout the week to promote the message of inclusion.
“(If you see) someone alone, just say ‘Hi,’ hello, smile. Yes we can, Hillies! Reach out and help others feel included. No one deserves to be alone,” the health department staff said in their post about the program.
On Monday, Attorney General Maura Healey and Sandy Hook Promise cofounder Mark Barden formally launched a partnership that provides free mental health and violence prevention training to nearly 140,000 students and teachers across the state through a three-year grant. In addition to the “Start With Hello” material Haverhill is utilizing, “Signs of Suicide” and “Say Something” lessons comprise Sandy Hook Promise’s “Know the Signs” portfolio of action plans, Healey’s office said.