Schools partner with Rachel's Challenge to promote kindness and respect among students

During the recent Chickasha Public Schools Board Meeting held on April 14, 2025, significant discussions centered around the implementation of the Rachel's Challenge program, aimed at fostering kindness and respect among students. This initiative comes in response to ongoing concerns about bullying and inappropriate behavior within the school community.

The board highlighted the partnership with the Stop It app, which was introduced a couple of years ago to allow students to report bullying anonymously. However, the need for a more proactive approach became evident, leading to the decision to incorporate Rachel's Challenge, a program designed to promote positive behavior and a supportive school environment.

Scheduled for September 15 and 16, the program will engage students in grades 5 through 12. The high school will participate on the first day, while Lincoln and Bridal schools will combine efforts on the second day. A community event for parents is also planned, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect in daily interactions.

The program will include presentations for students, followed by smaller group sessions where students can learn about forming their own initiatives to promote a positive school culture. This student-led approach aims to empower young people to take ownership of their behavior and foster a supportive environment among peers. Each group will have one adult mentor for every ten students to guide the discussions.

While the program will eventually extend to younger students, this initial rollout will focus on secondary education, reflecting the immediate need to address issues of bullying and disrespect among older students. The board's commitment to these initiatives underscores a broader effort to cultivate a safe and respectful learning environment in Chickasha Public Schools.