Norman Schools to Host “Rachel’s Challenge” Events

SEPTEMBER 11, 2008—Rachel Scott was the first person killed in the Columbine High School tragedy. Next week, the Norman Public Schools will use a unique anti-violence program built upon Rachel’s legacy to teach students to treat others with kindness and compassion.

Beginning September 15, the program will be presented to all middle- and high-school students in Norman Public Schools. The program consists of a one-hour audio/video presentation followed by an interactive training session. The program also offers a year-long curriculum that reinforces and builds on the presentations.

There will also be two sessions open to the general public on September 16 and 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Nancy O’Brian Center for Performing Arts. The program is recommended for adults and students in middle school and above.

The program, known as “Rachel’s Challenge,” was created by Rachel’s father shortly after her death. Since then, more than 1 million students across the country have participated in the program.

“Rachel’s Challenge is a fantastic, eye-opening program, and we’re extremely excited to bring it to Norman,” said Jim Wade, a board member of the Norman Public School Foundation, which is underwriting the majority of the cost of bringing the program to Norman. A grant from the Norman Community Foundation is funding the remainder of the cost of the program.

Last year, students at Whittier Middle School participated in the program.

“This program made a tremendous impact on Whittier students when it was presented last year,” said Joseph Siano, Ph.D., Superintendent of Norman Public Schools. “Now, I expect that its message of positive change and compassion will resonate with all of our middle- and high-school students.”

“We’re fortunate to have partners like the Norman Public School Foundation and the Norman Community Foundation to make events like this possible,” said Siano.

For more information about the events, contact the Norman Public School Foundation at 366-5947.