At Chatham Middle School, all students participated in Rachel’s Challenge, a national program aimed at preventing bullying and school violence. Tragically, Rachel was one of the students who lost their lives in the Columbine High School shootings. Through different, age appropriate presentations for sixth graders and seventh and eighth graders, students learned about Rachel’s life and her commitment to kindness. Presenter Barbara Mason emphasized the importance of self-awareness and empathy with the goal of inspiring students to believe in themselves and show appreciation for others. After the presentation, Mason encouraged students to accept Rachel's Challenge by signing their names on a banner in the main hallway. Key communicator students from each grade also took part in Friends of Rachel Club training, where they discussed ways to infuse kindness into their school culture. The event had a strong impact on students, reinforcing the important message that being kind and empathetic are essential to building positive relationships. This was a Bully Prevention Month event, part of the CMS guidance office's ongoing character education program.
