For millions of young people across the United States, bullying, violence, and other forms of oppression are a part of a typical day at school. Many students are afraid to walk down the halls for fear of being teased or humiliated. Others feel so alone and frightened that they cannot even pay attention in their classes.

Imagine a school where every child feels safe, loved, and celebrated. This is the vision behind the administration of Chickasha Public Schools by bringing Challenge Day ~ Be The Change, an award-winning day-long experiential program for middle and high school students.

In the Fall of 2011, the acclaimed day-long Challenge Day program will take place at Chickasha Middle School .  Approximately 200 teens and 60 adults will experience the innovative workshop, which is designed to break down barriers and promote school and community environments based on understanding, acceptance, and love.

At a Challenge Day, teenage students, teachers, school counselors, parents, and members of the community are challenged to step out of their comfort zones, open their hearts, and build connections with others. Two trained Challenge Day Leaders guide participants through a carefully-designed series of games, activities, and trust-building exercises that break down the walls of separation and create new levels of empathy and respect. 

The Challenge Day program reduces teasing and bullying, teaches tools for peaceful conflict resolution, and inspires teens and adults to work together as forces for positive change in the world.  Challenge Day successfully addresses some common issues seen at most schools during our school programs including cliques, gossip, rumors, negative judgments, teasing, harassment, isolation, stereotypes, intolerance, racism, bullying, violence, hopelessness, apathy, drug and alcohol use and hidden pressures to create an image, achieve or live up to the expectations of others.

Motivated by a vision that love and connection are possible in schools, Rich and Yvonne Dutra-St. John created the Challenge Day program in Martinez, California in 1987.  Through their years of professional experience with teens and families, Rich and Yvonne recognized that teasing, bullying, and other forms of social oppression are symptoms of a greater underlying problem: separation, isolation, and loneliness.  Rich and Yvonne designed the Challenge Day program to build connection and forgiveness between young people, and to inspire youth to become positive forces of change in their schools and communities.

Challenge Day is being brought to Chickasha Public Schools by the Chickasha Public School Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed 25 years ago to enhance educational opportunities in Chickasha.  Chickasha Public Schools Foundation is soliciting support from the community for the program. 

 Bret Burns, District Attorney stepped up and found funding for the year long program that will impact these students for their lifetime.  In the photograph, Chickasha Public School Foundation (CPSF) Board Members, President Elect, Jerry Pittman, Board Member, John Tointigh and Secretary, Renee Williams accept the contribution from Bret along with school officials, Jim Glaze, Superintendent, Dan Turner, Middle School Principal and Sharon Wilson, Middle School Counselor.  The program will be implemented with 8^th grade students.  Community participation will make this program successful.  Volunteers will be needed to assist with the event and the Be The Change follow up program.

CPSF Board Members, school principals, counselors and community leaders went to Putnam City in September to participate in the program.  This is the 5^th year for the program at Putnam City.  Jim Glaze said “We are excited about implementing the program in Chickasha.  It will give school staff an opportunity to get to know the students at a much deeper level, be better prepared to help students break down barriers and obstacles they face before ever entering the classroom to learn.” 

The Challenge Day has received numerous awards from the Juvenile Justice System, the D.A.R.E. Officers Association, government officials, and many school districts and cities nationwide. Challenge Day has also been featured in the New York Times best-seller Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul, in the Emmy-winning documentary Teen Files: Surviving High School, and on The Oprah Winfrey Show. 

To be a part of or for more information on bringing the Challenge Day Program to CMS, please contact Chickasha Public School Foundation at (405) 222-6506 x 1009, by e-mailing Lou Christian, Executive Director at lchristian@chickasha.k12.ok.us or by visiting  Chickasha Public School Foundations website at www.chickasha4kids.com