Burns Elementary School students and staff are responding to issues of local and national concerns about social isolation, in which young people feel left out and alone. Members of the BES Bobcat family want to be proactive in addressing this concern, as well as additional issues such as bullying, violence and depression.
During the month of September, BES students have engaged in conversations about reducing social isolation and how they can work together to create a closer, more connected classroom, school and community. “Start with Hello” is a proactive initiative developed as part of the Sandy Hook Promise organization. BES guidance counselor Kelli Fueger said, “It is essential that children learn this life lesson and use these principles in and out of school. This prevention program teaches children how to be more socially inclusive and connected to one another through three simple steps: First, see someone alone. Next, reach out and help. Finally, start with ‘Hello!’”
BES will host “Hats for Hey Day!” on Friday, Sept. 21. Students are invited to wear their favorite hats and will be given a tag on which to write their names. This will allow their fellow students to share heartfelt and personalized greetings as they nurture an atmosphere of connectedness.