[ back ]
Alder to host anti-violence program inspired by Columbine victim
(by Sandi Latimer, staff writer - August 10, 2010)
In an attempt to create a more positive atmosphere at school, leaders of Jonathan Alder Local Schools are bringing the nationally acclaimed Rachel’s Challenge to the area on Sept. 1.
The program, designed to stem bullying and violence, will take place in two sessions during the day for students—one for high schoolers and another for grades 5-8—and again at 7 p.m. for the community.
“If you can’t make it at night, you can attend during the day,” high school Principal Phil Harris told members of the school board at their Aug. 9 meeting where curriculum director Jamie Pund previewed the program.
Superintendent Doug Carpenter said the program is one way to address how students treat each other. The issue received the lowest rating in the latest survey of students, staff and parents, he said.
The program is named for Rachel Scott, the first person killed in the Columbine High School shootings on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion coupled with the contents of her diaries prompted her father, Darrell, to form a program to create a more positive atmosphere and start a chain reaction of kindness.
The movement, now nationwide, has 30 certified presenters who facilitate an hour-long session that motivates students to positive change in the way they treat others. This is followed by a 45-minute training session for adult and student leaders on how to sustain the momentum.
The school is left with a year-long curriculum, Friends of Rachel, that continues training students and links them to positive activities.
“We don’t know which one of the 30 presenters we will be getting,” said Pund, who added the district is using grant money to defray the program’s $2,400 cost.
New classes for a new year
In other business, the school board discussed the two new classes seniors can take this year—psychology and current events, both one-semester classes.
Urbana University is helping to teach the psychology course, for which students can earn college credit. Topics to be covered include a history of psychology, motivation, dealing with stress, human development and memory.
“There is a lot of interest,” Pund said of the course that will have two classes each semester.
The current events class will not have a textbook, she said. It will utilize technology and is designed “to strengthen the mind of students on political and social issues.”
Students will read about what is going on in the world and form their own opinions on such topics as Afghan and Iraq, health care, immigration and the environment.
The board approved the curriculum for both courses after one reading.
The board’s next meeting is Sept. 13.
[ back ]
