'Change' Begins With Manchester Students, Staff

(Presenter Angela Aquilar shows Challenge Day participants the hand signal for everyone to be quiet and pay attention, which is also sign language for “I love you.” Credit: Manchester Township School District)

For the last four years, Manchester Township High School students and staff have been challenged. Challenged to be kind. Challenged to be positive. Challenged to be compassionate.

The school’s annual Challenge Day, held recently at the high school, aims to drive this message home, to get students and staff focused on positive interactions.

Students and staff committed to “Be the Change,” as selected students, peer leaders, staff and adult mentors gathered in a huge circle of chairs in the gym, wearing matching blue and gold T-shirts. Through games, team-building activities, and lots of sharing, the all-day program addresses some common issues seen at most schools including cliques, gossip, rumors, negative judgments, teasing, harassment, isolation, stereotypes, intolerance, racism, sexism, bullying, violence, homophobia, apathy, and hidden pressures to create an image or live up to the expectations of others.

Challenge Day presenters Angela Aguilar and Schan Baker began the day with some fun ice-breaker activities that had the whole group dancing, high-fiving and switching seats to meet new people. Then the large group divided into smaller groups to work together on more serious activities throughout the day.

Participants were challenged to adopt the Challenge Day three-step formula for creating positive change: NOTICE what’s happening; CHOOSE – create a vision for what you want your life to look like; and ACT – have the courage and commitment it takes to be the change. Students were also asked to make at least one conscious, positive contribution (also known as an act of change) each day in their communities and schools.

Vice Principal Tracey Raimondo said Challenge Day has helped foster a more inclusive supportive school community.

“At the event, students were invited to sign up for the ‘Be the Change Team.’ This group of 65 students will help keep the message and spirit of Challenge Day alive throughout the year,” she said.

The program’s cost was paid through donations from the Manchester PTA and the Corporal Nicholas Ott Memorial Fund, the Booster Club and a personal donation by Mr. Barry, according to the news release. The Comfort Inn donated hotel rooms for the facilitators, Jersey Mike’s donated sandwiches for all participants and Mike Leppert donated bottled water.

Challenge Day is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides powerful one-day programs to junior high schools, middle schools, and high schools with students in grades 7-12. Learn more at www.challengeday.org .

8950-Presenter Angela Aquilar shows Challenge Day participants the hand signal for everyone to be quiet and pay attention, which is also sign language for ‘I love you.”