As Peters Township School District continues to expand its programs to keep our students and staff safe, in the fall of 2018 the District will introduce Rachel’s Challenge to our community.
What is Rachel’s Challenge?
Rachel’s Challenge exists to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion. Rachel’s Challenge is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott who was the first victim of the Columbine school shootings in 1999. Through her example, Rachel’s Challenge is making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people every year.
How is it used in Peters Township?
Starting in September 2018, students will learn more about this program that encourages not only having compassion for those around us, but having the courage to act on that compassion. Through an ongoing series of school events, trainings and programs, it is the District’s goal to positively impact the lives of our students both inside the classroom and throughout the community.
Repeated security trainings with the FBI and our own Police Department have stressed that making a connection with students who are on the verge of committing these terrible acts of violence is the best way to prevent them from happening. This program will train groups of students at the High School and Middle School level with the skills to lead the effort in reaching out to other students and creating a positive culture to help stop school violence.