'Challenge Day' Encourages Barnegat Students To Fight Bullying

BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat High School students and staff celebrated the end of Anti-Bullying Month by learning the importance of peer support on Challenge Day.

Dozens of students in grades 9 through 12 gathered in the BHS gym on Oct. 25 to participate in Challenge Day; a day of learning, expression and positive peer support. Students were joined by Barnegat Township School District (BTSD) staff, officials and community volunteers to learn how they can all empower students, build their self-esteem and combat bullying in every form.

The Challenge Day Program is designed to unite the members of the school and community together, empowering them to carry the tools, techniques and teaching methods presented during the school day with them throughout life, according to a district news release.

Challenge Day addresses issues of violence, teasing, social oppression, racism, harassment, conflict management, suicide, peer pressure, alcohol and drugs while providing resources to handle situations involving these topics.

“I’m grateful to not only see our students committed to actively showing empathy and compassion toward one another but also allowing themselves an opportunity for growth by participating in activities such as Challenge Day,” said BTSD District Supervisor of Guidance Carolyn Johnson. "These events are about personal empowerment, problem solving, and being a stronger and more empathetic human being. We hope that they carry the lessons learned in Challenge Day with them forever."

Founded in 1987, more than a million teens and adults nationwide have participated in The Challenge Day program. This is the second year BTSD has participated and the district said it is grateful for community partnerships with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Barnegat Communities That Care, RWJ Barnabas Health, Ocean County Youth Services Commission and the BHS Counseling Department who all contributed to making this day possible. Following the success of the first event held last March of the 2022-23 school year, Challenge Days have become an important part of the social and emotional growth in BTSD.

Challenge Days are led by the non-profit's highly trained facilitators who teach participants to notice their surroundings, understand their emotions, and act with compassion and intention. The program activities are centered on five tested competency areas: relationship skills, responsible decision-making, self-awareness, self-management and social awareness.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to have time we can devote toward understanding and countering issues of bullying and harassment,” said BTSD Superintendent Brian Latwis. “We believe it's our job to teach students more than just the basic subjects like math and English. It’s important to set them up in an environment that promotes respect, compassion and empathy towards others while connecting them with members of the community to reinforce these acts both in and out of school. ‘One Barnegat’ is what it’s all about.”

To learn more about BTSD and their anti-bullying efforts, go to www.barnegatschools.com.