To provide social and emotional support to students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Westhampton Beach High School has adopted the Sandy Hook Start With Hello program.

During their recent physical education classes, students were introduced to the program that provides education about social isolation and how to create a connected and inclusive school and community. They were then encouraged to share positive messages on sticky notes, which are being displayed on a banner in the school.

“We are hoping to use this program as a catalyst for a yearlong initiative to support social and emotional development for our students,” said Kaitlin Davis, the school’s social worker, who spearheaded the program. “The impact of COVID has forced all of us to adjust to social distancing, but our students do not have to be isolated as a result.”

The goal, explained Davis, is to use the Start With Hello program to create a positive and connected school community despite the social restrictions of COVID.