A nationwide program to promote kindness came to Berner Middle School on March 24, bolstering an ongoing message. Veda Tucker from Rachel’s Challenge presented grade-level assemblies as well as a leadership workshop, designed to foster a positive and inclusive school climate.
Rachel’s Challenge, a school violence and bullying prevention program, is based on the story of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shooting. Her examples of kindness and acceptance serve as inspiration for the program’s messages.
The Rachel’s Challenge presentation for seventh and eighth graders aimed to create a chain reaction of kindness and compassion. Students learned about the simple, positive actions they can take to create a positive, inclusive culture in their school.
Rachel’s Story, the program for sixth graders, showed the profound and positive impact students can have on those around them by simply paying attention to the little things they do and say every day. Each of the three assemblies ended with challenges for students such as showing kindness, dreaming big, showing appreciation, looking for the best in others and choosing positive influences.
At the end of the day, 38 student leaders gathered for a session with Ms. Tucker to review the lessons from the assemblies and talk about ways they can make a difference in the school. The leaders included student council officers, sixth, seventh and eighth grade class officers, and members of the Chiefs Challenge club.
During that leadership session, students thought of ways to make a positive difference in four areas – mental health connections, school climate, service to others and social media. Ms. Tucker reviewed some practices in other schools and asked Berner students to share programs and initiatives already in place. They then got together in small groups to brainstorm new ideas.
“I thought it was really meaningful and it spread a message to not only stick up for people, but always do the right thing,” student council President Shea M. said of the Rachel’s Challenge presentation. “We can set positive examples because students tend to listen to each other.”
Vice President Luciano C. said he was moved in learning how Rachel Scott touched so many lives through her kindness.
“Presentations like this should be in every school,” he said, adding that he noticed an immediate impact at Berner. Luciano explained that he and his fellow students leaders “can make sure that we’re constantly setting an example, then it will have chain reaction on the other students.”
Dean of Students Kristen Meoli, who brought in the program in partnership with the PTSA, said Rachel’s Challenge was brought to her attention by a Berner guidance counselor who remembered it as a student and its profound impact. Upon doing additional research, Ms. Meoli said it matched well with the middle school’s character education programs.
“We try to bring in initiatives throughout the school year that not only motivate our students but empower them to have a direct positive impact on themselves and the school culture as a whole,” Ms. Meoli said. “We hope that by hearing Rachel’s story, it will have a lasting impact on them.”
The school received an “I Accept Rachel’s Challenge” banner that all students could sign the following day.
“We’re really grateful to have the presentation here,” said Principal Jason Esposito, noting that it has been seen by millions of students over the years. “All of the messages that we’re trying to share about positivity, kindness and the difference that each child can make really comes to light in Rachel’s Challenge. We hope it improves the students’ experience here at Berner Middle School.”