Rachel's Challenge

Rachel Joy Scott was one of the first victims at the Columbine High School shooting in 1999.  She was convinced that she would leave behind a legacy...

"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." 

Since her death her family has created a foundation called Rachel's Challenge that visits high schools around the country to share her message of hope and community.  Her challenge is simple:

1. Look for the Best in Others
2. Dream Big
3. Choose Positive Influences
4. Speak with Kindness
5. Start your own Chain Reaction 

After participating in the Rachel's Challenge assembly at our school I decided to start working with the students in my classes to encourage them to work towards these goals and simply to think about how their actions can affect the people around them, for better or for worse.

Some days I share a quote, other days we may watch and discuss a video.  Some days we may write a letter or a journal entry, have a class discussion or do a get-to-know-you activity.  Each week there will be a Kindness Challenge, a simple suggestion to help students reach out to their community with kindness, generosity and compassion.  Since starting this program in my classes it has changed my perspective.  I am able to get to know my students in a completely different way.  It centers us as a class and community and focuses our energy in a very positive way.  In this blog I will share our daily activities and some of the amazing conversations and experience that develop.