Students learn about many things related to American Founders this month and during this week we Celebrate Freedom in a special way.  At the beginning of each school day per Florida Statute, public school principals and teachers shall conduct an oral recitation by students of the following words of the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” (1003.421)

The purpose of the Start with Hello Program is to combat social isolation which has been associated with “violent and suicidal behavior.” Start with Hello teaches students in grades kindergarten through twelve to 1) notice when someone is alone, 2) reach out and help, and 3) start with hello.