Preventing school violence can start with something as simple as a friendly greeting to a lonely classmate.

That’s the message shared Wednesday at Sherman Elementary, one of 30 Toledo schools participating in a campaign called “Start with Hello.”

The friendly focus comes courtesy of Sandy Hook Promise, a Newtown, Conn., organization formed by family of victims of the 2012 school shooting. Adam Lanza, described in reports as a socially isolated 20-year-old, killed 20 students and six educators at an elementary school.

The nonprofit aims to stop violence through prevention programs such as “Start with Hello,” which teaches students to identify and reach out to socially isolated classmates.

More than 800 schools nationwide registered for the program. 

The nonprofit’s presenters are to visit 10 participating Toledo schools this week, and other schools can organize presentations later to complement work they’ve started on their own, said Michelle Pelz, TPS’ director of positive school climate.

Sherman students gathered to hear a half-hour lesson from Pam Steurer of Columbus. She provided tips on how to offer companionship to classmates who may need it.

She told students to look for those who spend a lot of time by themselves or appear anxious and uncomfortable. Then, she urged them to reach out by saying hello, offering to sit with them, writing a note, or making another simple gesture.

“When we first created Sandy Hook Promise we didn’t really know anything about gun violence or violence in general,” said Nicole Hockley, the nonprofit’s managing director and mother of Dylan, a Sandy Hook victim, in a telephone interview Tuesday.

Their research led them to tackle problems including social isolation.

The group’s training materials state that isolated young people can become victims of bullying, violence, and depression. As a result, they may pull further away, struggle with social and learning development, or hurt themselves or others.

TPS doesn’t track bullying cases, not all of which are reported by students, on a districtwide level, though it is working to collect that data starting with the current school year.

On Friday, Toledo schools also will participate in a national event called No One Eats Alone Day.

Since the Sandy Hook massacre, more people are getting involved in gun violence prevention, Ms. Hockley said.

“I do wish change happened faster,” she said. “But I firmly believe that the changes will come and that they will be the right changes.”

Sherman students are already wearing bright green stickers with the “Start with hello” message, and posters plastered around the school echo that advice.

“Any program that teaches inclusion, the kids can’t get enough of that. We just pump that into them,” said school counselor Charis Murray, who planned morning announcements this week and made heart-shaped decorations with the theme of inclusiveness.

Among the sticker-clad students were fifth-graders Kah’Meeria Brown and Royce Thomas. Kah’Meeria said students were reminded to pay attention to people who are “feeling down.”

As for what to do next? That’s also simple.

“Ask them what’s wrong,” responded Royce.

Contact Vanessa McCray at: vmccray@theblade.com or 419-724-6065, or on Twitter @vanmccray.

First Published February 11, 2016, 5:00 a.m.