Northside Elementary School first graders Madison DeSantis and Ethan Pierre added the finishing touch to the school's Start With Hello wall. It was a week focused on unity and welcoming smiles at Northside Elementary School as students celebrated Start With Hello Week from Sept. 18 to 22.

Start With Hello is celebrated nationally and aims to teach children how to minimize social isolation, empathize with others and create a more inclusive and connected school culture.? Throughout the week, students took meaningful action when they saw peers isolated or alone, often starting with a simple hello. In every classroom, paper ribbons were available for students to give out to others who helped someone in need. The ribbons were proudly displayed on classroom doors. Students also found a buddy and sat outside in the sun to read to Northside's ducks, Tater, Tot and Hashbrown. Finally, different grade levels united as pairs of students completed the "H" in a "Hello" display.