WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
On Monday, Alachua County Public Schools launched a week long program to prevent bullying.
Start With Hello was initiated by Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit organization with the goal of creating a violence-free culture in schools.
“Students, many times, listen to each other first,” said Jesely Alvarez, Myra Terwilliger Elementary School assistant principal. “We want them to be role models for each other so that every student in our school has someone, whether it’s staff or another student, that they can reach out to and feel connected to.”
One day of the week, students will wear name tags and explain the meaning behind their names, and on Thursday, students will wear green to promote inclusion and connectedness.
The program, which will run through Friday, Aug. 27, strives to create a safer and more enjoyable learning environment while teaching children how to be inclusive among their classmates.
