Every morning at Hawken School’s lower school in Lyndhurst, the staff stands outside and greets students as they walk in the door, letting the children know they are excited to see them.

While informal, the planned greetings help alleviate any feelings of trepidation or wondering when they’ll see a familiar face, said Molly Toussant, director of the lower school, which teaches children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Small gestures stand out, according to Brady Hurley, lower school dean of students at University School in Shaker Heights.

“A smile in the hallway or someone taking a moment to help them solve a problem – those moments often become core memories,” he added.

Children are especially attuned to adults who greet them by name with a handshake, high five or a hug, show pati

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