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Get RSS FeedRachel's Challenge shares anti-bullying message with students
By DUSTIN ENSINGER
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Jackson Middle School students next week will be challenged to create a chain reaction of kindness, compassion and character as part of the largest student assembly program in the country.
Rachel's Challenge, an organization created to stop school violence and bullying, will bring its message to the school Wednesday, Sept. 28 during an all-student assembly from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Another event, open to all families and communities members, will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The organization is named after Rachel Scott, the first victim of the 1999 Columbine shooting in Littleton, Colo.
Founded by her father, Darrell Scott, the organization's mission is based on the writings that Rachel left behind. In six diaries and other school assignments, she repeatedly wrote about her desire to impact the world in a positive manner.
Rachel's Challenge, an organization created to stop school violence and bullying, will bring its message to the school Wednesday, Sept. 28 during an all-student assembly from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Another event, open to all families and communities members, will be held from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The organization is named after Rachel Scott, the first victim of the 1999 Columbine shooting in Littleton, Colo.
Founded by her father, Darrell Scott, the organization's mission is based on the writings that Rachel left behind. In six diaries and other school assignments, she repeatedly wrote about her desire to impact the world in a positive manner.
The organization challenges students to overcome prejudices, to choose positive influences in their lives and commit to engaging in small acts of kindness.
"When we share Rachel's life, we're really hitting on things that kids can relate to," said Todd Lauderdale, a presenter for the organization.
"They know what peer pressure is about. They face it every day. They know what prejudice is about. They see it every day. They know what bullying is about. Either they have been bullied themselves or they've watched it happen or sometimes they are the bully."
This year, the organization will deliver its message to about 3 million students across the country.
"It really strikes a chord with students because they relate to the issues we bring to their attention through Rachel's life," said Lauderdale.
One of Rachel's Challenges main goals is to stamp out prejudice of all forms.
"We hit on issues that they are dealing with right now in their lives," said Lauderdale. "
"Unfortunately, there is still a lot of prejudice in our country. Not just racially. It could be prejudice against a certain type of person that isn't part of our clique at school."
Jackson Middle School Principal Emily Jablonka said that although bullying and discrimination are not a problem in her school, she wants to make students aware of the harm that bullying can cause to others.
"With kids in middle school, sometimes they don't realize that the things they do or say could be interpreted in a negative manner," she said.
Over the years, bullying has evolved and moved from the playground to the social media sites. Rachel's Challenge is also addressing the growing problem of "cyber-bullying."
"It's different in the age of technology," said Jablonka.
"When we were in middle school we didn't have cell phones and Facebook and email."
Jablonka said she hopes the event will open the lines of communication to a further degree between staff and her students in the event a problem arises.
"I want every child in my building to know that they have a place where they can feel comfortable," she said.
"I think we have that. I want to make sure that every child knows that they are loved and they are welcomed. I think this is just another opportunity to showcase that."
"When we share Rachel's life, we're really hitting on things that kids can relate to," said Todd Lauderdale, a presenter for the organization.
"They know what peer pressure is about. They face it every day. They know what prejudice is about. They see it every day. They know what bullying is about. Either they have been bullied themselves or they've watched it happen or sometimes they are the bully."
This year, the organization will deliver its message to about 3 million students across the country.
"It really strikes a chord with students because they relate to the issues we bring to their attention through Rachel's life," said Lauderdale.
One of Rachel's Challenges main goals is to stamp out prejudice of all forms.
"We hit on issues that they are dealing with right now in their lives," said Lauderdale. "
"Unfortunately, there is still a lot of prejudice in our country. Not just racially. It could be prejudice against a certain type of person that isn't part of our clique at school."
Jackson Middle School Principal Emily Jablonka said that although bullying and discrimination are not a problem in her school, she wants to make students aware of the harm that bullying can cause to others.
"With kids in middle school, sometimes they don't realize that the things they do or say could be interpreted in a negative manner," she said.
Over the years, bullying has evolved and moved from the playground to the social media sites. Rachel's Challenge is also addressing the growing problem of "cyber-bullying."
"It's different in the age of technology," said Jablonka.
"When we were in middle school we didn't have cell phones and Facebook and email."
Jablonka said she hopes the event will open the lines of communication to a further degree between staff and her students in the event a problem arises.
"I want every child in my building to know that they have a place where they can feel comfortable," she said.
"I think we have that. I want to make sure that every child knows that they are loved and they are welcomed. I think this is just another opportunity to showcase that."
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