August 25, 2025
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Since November 2024, the Allegheny Valley School District has participated in Rachel’s Challenge – a program that addresses the root causes of school violence, bullying, prejudice, and self-harm. Rachel’s Challenge exists to equip and inspire individuals to replace negative actions with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion.
The idea is to help adjust the environment in schools, to bring about kindness and responsible decisions. The programs offered by Rachel’s Challenge are a catalyst that stimulate connection and hope, invite personal reflection, and ignite change. Two programs will begin for students in grades 5-8 and grades 9-12. Grades 5-8 will participate in Rachel’s Story, which introduces younger middle school students to Rachel Scott and her challenge to deliberately reach out to others with kindness. It shows the profound positive impact students can have on those around them by simply paying attention to the little things they do and say every day. Grades 9-12 will attend Rachel’s Challenge, a program that shows the profound positive impact we can have on those around us. It demonstrates the power of deliberately reaching out in word and action, to start what Rachel called “a chain reaction of kindness and compassion.” Monthly Rachel's Challenge activities will continue through the 2025 - 2026 school year.
Information: Rachel's Story Description
Information: Rachel's Challenge Description