You Are Invited . . .
Pleasant Hill
High School Gymnasium
Wednesday, March 13th
at 7:00 p.m.
Rachel's Challenge is a non-profit, non-political,
non-religious organization based in Littleton, Colorado. This is a powerful program honoring
Rachel Joy Scott who was the first student killed during the horrible tragedy at Columbine
High School in 1999.
Rachel's Challenge is a series of student empowering programs and strategies that equip students and adults to combat bullying and allay feelings of isolation and despair by creating a culture of kindness and compassion. The programs are based on the writings and life
of 17 year-old Rachel Scott. Rachel left a legacy of reaching out to those who
were different, who were picked on by others, or who were new at her school.
Shortly before her death she wrote,
"I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion,
then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a
little kindness can go."
Rachel's Challenge was started by Rachel's dad and stepmom, Darrell and Sandy
Scott when they realized that the writings and drawings Rachel left not only had
an impact on her friends and classmates, but also resonated with students around
the world. Although Rachel was a typical teenager who even wrote about her "ups
and downs," she had a passion and conviction that she would someday change the
world. The Scott family knew her story and passion had to be told to inspire others to make their
world a better place.
More than 18 million people have been touched by Rachel's message, and they continue the legacy of making a difference in their communities. Each year at least 2 million more people are
added to that number. These are just a couple of the results of Rachel's Challenge. In one survey, 78% more students indicated they would definitely intervene in a bullying incident in their
school after seeing Rachel's Challenge. In a recent 24 month period, Rachel's Challenge received more than 450 emails from students who indicated that they changed their mind about
taking their own life after hearing Rachel's Challenge.
Be Part of the Movement For Improvement!
Program Description: Conveyed through stories
from Rachel's life and writings, Rachel's Challenge shows
the profound positive impact we can have on those around
us. Rachel's Challenge demonstrates to the listener the
power of deliberately reaching out in word and action to others to start what Rachel called "a chain reaction of kindness
and compassion". Rachel's Challenge encourages participants to examine their own lives in the light of the following 5
challenges.
Challenges:
1. Look for the Best in Others
2. Dream Big
3. Choose Positive Influences
4. Speak with Kindness
5. Start your own Chain Reaction
Outcomes: Rachel's Challenge motivates the individual to consider where they are personally in relation to the five challenges. It also prompts the listener to reflect on their relationship with and impact on the people around them. Additionally,
Rachel's Challenge renews the participants hope that their life has purpose through service to others. Rachel's story gives
participants permission to start their own chain reaction of kindness and compassion, which
positively affects school climate.
Pleasant Hill R-III students, grades 5-12, will
take part in a student-focused portion of this
program during the day on Wednesday, March
13th. Please talk with your students about this
program and what it means to them and those
around them. Please attend the evening event
to see how your family can be part of the change to make the
Pleasant Hill R-III School District and our community a better
place! Be the example in a child's life!
You can learn more about this wonderful program and organization at:
http://www.rachelschallenge.org/
http://vimeo.com/33291369
This event is made possible through the hard work and dedication of the
Pleasant Hill Community Betterment Association
and
Pleasant Hill High School "We Give" Committee
Be Part of the Movement For Improvement!