Start with Hello Week was on Monday, October 16th through Friday 20th. Start with Hello is a national program developed by a group called Sandy Hook Promise to promote school culture.

On Monday, students were asked to wear green because it’s the official color of the start of the Start with Hello Week. Tuesday was a wear neon to brighten the day for yourself and others. Wednesday was dress Hawaiian and ‘say Aloha’ to at least five people you have never talked to before. Thursday was wear your favorite shirt and start talking to new people and including others. Finally, Friday was wear your Edgewood gear to show your unity of being an Edgewood Cougar.

Freshman Paysley Reeves enjoyed dressing up for the week.

“Monday I wore a green vest,” Paysley said. “Tuesday I wore a neon hoodie and Wednesday I wore a lei. I wasn’t at school on Thursday and Friday.”

Hello Week was important to many people. Freshman Jada Robinson went all out with her outfits but also knew why the week was needed.

“It’s important to give other kids an opportunity to make new friends,” Jada said. “One way you could make new friends is to participate in Hello Week because if people see you wearing or doing the things they like you could bond with them over what you guys share in common and you guys could start to become friends.”

Start with Hello Week is designed to improve the halls at EHS. Freshman Kesiah Stewart is one of the students who find the purpose important to know and to acknowledge.

“Hello week is important for people who don’t have as many friends to make friends and feel like they belong,” Keisah said. “It also helps create a better, more connected community for our school.”