Challenge Day inspires students to "Be the Change"

Imagine a school in which every student could feel welcomed, cared for and celebrated.

That is the mission of the founders of Challenge Day, a long established program that has flourished in schools in the United States, Canada and beyond.

Challenge Day came to Sisters Middle and Sisters High School April 13-15, thanks to the generosity of Serendipity West and Trans-Canada, two non-profit groups that raised the funds to cover all the costs.

Using Gandhi's quote, "Be the change you want to see in others," students plunged into the challenge of recognizing the individual role each student plays in the school and how to break down some of the barriers that cause misunderstandings, bullying and isolation.

The entire seventh grade class, joined by about 20 adults, started things off on Monday, April 13 in the gymnasium. Eighth graders took part on Tuesday, and a mixture totaling about 100 ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders took part on Wednesday.

A total of over 80 adult volunteers took part in Challenge Day and they participated fully, right alongside the students.

Activities at the beginning of the day are designed to remind kids to have fun and just be kids for a while. As the day progresses, the focus turns to looking at how people deal with the problems they face in life.

The two facilitators, Jake and Pam, both from Oakland, California, shared from their own teenage years about how they dealt with racism, self-image and bullying. Participants shared with partners and small groups throughout the day, their responses to questions being brought forward by the facilitators.

Middle School Kathy Miner hoped that Challenge Day would fit right in to the vision she has for students in all of the schools in Sisters.

"I think every student took something positive away from the day," she said. "Challenge Day revealed to me that the kids want the same things that we want for them: respect, safety, and accountability."

The day had its share of more serious moments, especially after an activity called the Power Shuffle, in which all participants cross a line when a statement that is true for them is read aloud. Statements ranged from "please cross the line if you have ever been teased, picked on or bullied" to "please cross the line if you or your family has ever been negatively affected by alcohol or other drugs."

"The Power Shuffle showed kids that they are not alone in their troubles that they have experienced," said Diana Curran, who is serving as a counseling intern through Portland State University. "I think it helped for students and adults to see each other in a different, more empathetic light."

Cheryl Stewart, an adult volunteer, found the experience fulfilling and worthwhile.

"The facilitators did an excellent job of getting all of us participants to see each other as human beings," she said. "Our next challenge is to keep all of this positive momentum going."

Plans are underway at both the middle and high school for follow-up to Challenge Day. Some students from both the seventh and eighth grades will be working together with staff members as part of the Be the Change team for the school.

Miner was heartened to hear some honest dialogue between students that she hopes students can continue to build on. "I heard students make apologies and witnessed others saying that they want to be held accountable to a high standard of how to treat others. Having adults involved as well allows for a fuller circle of understanding, support, and encouragement to 'Be the Change'."

Dan Saraceno, who worked with the high school's cultural committee to make Challenge Day happen, has heard a lot of positives from students and adults alike.

"It's important for us to take time on the social and cultural aspects of student life," he said. "Challenge Day gave us that opportunity and with follow-up activities already shaping up, we are feeling good about making our schools even stronger."