Elementary School Program

Rachel's Challenge Elementary Program is tested and proven to impact students and change both the CLIMATE and CULTURE
of a school!

Program Elements:

1. Curriculum Notebook 2. DVD for Faculty 3. DVD for Students 4. DVD for KC Club 5. 20 Posters
6. 10 Journals 7. 1 Banner For Students to Sign 8. Two Pictures of Rachel Scott 9. 24 Hour Email Support 10. Year End Rally Instructions 11. A Chain Reaction Book11. Optional Assembly
Additional: Foundation for a Better Life DVD
(This wonderful supplemental tool is available thanks to The Foundation for a Better Life)

What It Looks Like:

Kick off Assembly – The kick-off assembly is geared to inspire students and motivate them to start a chain reaction in their school. The program provides all of the instructions as well as a DVD that will help to make this assembly a great motivational tool for your student body.

Students Connect Because:

Proactive - By focusing on creating a culture of kindness and compassion on campus, our program doesn't just treat the symptoms, it directly addresses the root problems of isolation, prejudice and bullying.

Positive - Rachel's Challenge focuses on the impact that Rachel Scott made during her life. Rachel's story is powerful; students connect with her life, accept her challenges and model her behavior. The Program is age appropriate for elementary students.

Sustainable - This program creates real, sustainable momentum through the Kindness and Compassion Clubs (K. C.) Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to see the ever-increasing impact that their acts of kindness are making on their community.

Curriculum – There is a professionally developed curriculum that teachers use in class to augment what they are currently teaching. The curriculum covers five central themes in Rachel's Challenge: Influence, Goal Setting, Journaling, Acceptance, Kindness. Each of the sections provides practical ways to practice these ideas and activities.

K.C. Clubs – K.C. Clubs drive and sustain the momentum of the chain reaction on the school campus. These clubs are an excellent way for the student body to create a lasting impact in their school and community. Rachel's Challenge provides creative, practical ideas for service projects and other ways students can help make their school a place where everyone feels accepted.

End of Year Celebration – At the end of each year each school or district holds a celebration that honors students for their hard work in creating a climate of kindness and compassion on their campus. This celebration serves as a way to involve the community and helps to encourage the students through the summer. Enjoy a great example of Rachel's Rally from Rockwall below:

Rachel's Rally


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Coaches

Dina Rowe Dina Rowe

Dina grew up in a small town north of Dallas, TX. After visiting a preview event in a neighboring school district and being significantly changed by the program, Dina and two other school counselors co-authored what is now Rachel's Challenge Elementary Program.

Dina has been part of the Rachel's Challenge team since 2006 as an elementary trainer and trainer of trainers. She also continues to serve as an elementary school counselor in Texas and is currently pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership.
Stacia_Butler Stacia Butler

Stacia works as an elementary presenter for Rachel's Challenge and has served in public education for over 12 years. She was a fourth grade teacher for 7 years and saw that she had a deeper desire to reach the hearts of students. It was at that time she decided to become a school counselor. For the past six years she has continued to serve as a school counselor for a school in the North Texas area. She brought the philosophy of Rachel's Challenge to her campus 4 years ago and has brought the program to schools within her district. Her efforts have evolved into her entire district implementing Rachel's Challenge. She has a desire to reach the hearts of her students, her community and the world.

How It Started:

Rockwall Independent School District in Texas
Rockwall ISD first experienced Rachel's Challenge in April of 2007 when Rachel's Challenge presented the program to high school students. The effect that the program had on the climate and culture of their school was profound, and soon Rockwall brought the program to their middle school students and had formed a partnership with Rachel's Challenge to develop the program for the elementary students.

Today, Rockwall ISD is the model district for a comprehensive K-12 Rachel's Challenge initiative. According to Nancy Boyd, the Director of Counseling, instrumental in partnering with Rachel's Challenge: "Rachel's Challenge gives the students the permission to be kind and compassionate." Rockwall has seen a dramatic cultural change in their students. From kindergarten through 12th Grade, students perform "Random Acts of Kindness". 

At the elementary level, the students are encouraged to make a positive difference in someone's life. When a student does an act of kindness the teacher writes that act on a small paper link and adds it to the chain of kindness at their school. Currently, the students in Rockwall have created over 123,000 links. By accepting Rachel's Challenge they are starting a Chain Reaction in their school.

 

Rachel's Challenge – Elementary School Program – Seminar Chains of Kindness.
Educators may apply through Brandman University for one semester Graduate Elective Credit.
The fee for the Professional Development course is $65.
For additional information please contact, Gene Bedley, Director of Professional Development,
gene@rachelschallenge.org