St. Pius X School Welcomes Rachel’s Challenge

Rachel Scott, a 17-year-old student in Colorado, had a theory about compassion.

She outlined it one day in a school essay about her personal code of ethics.

"I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion then it will start a chain reaction of the same," she wrote.

After Scott was killed in the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, Scott and her theory inspired a program called Rachel's Challenge. Millions of people around the world have taken part in the program, according to the Rachel's Challenge website.

The Rachel's Challenge program is coming to in Montville on Sept. 22 and the school is looking for parents and community members to help develop ways to make the lessons of the program stick.

"We're faith-based education, and anybody that has an understanding or a belief in any kind of faith, predominantly the faith teaches acting out of kindness," said Sandy Nelson, vice president of the Home and School Association Board for the Catholic K-8 school. "And this supports that kind of thinking."

Nelson, a Lincoln Park resident who has a sixth-grader and twin first-graders in the school, said she learned about Rachel's Challenge after the school's principal, Sister June Morrissey, suggested it. Nelson said she likes the program's positive message.

"It took the focus off bullying and instead focuses on kindness," she said.

Participants in the program typically are asked to do five things:

1. Remove all prejudices.
2. Record feelings and insights in journals.
3. Be aware of the situations and people who influence their lives.
4. Pay attention to little things they can do that bring about positive change.
5. Find five people in their lives who mean a lot to them and whose lives they can impact in a positive way. 

Parents and community members who would like to get involved with any of the Rachel’s Challenge training or events can call the school at 973-335-1253. Saint Pius X School, 24 Changebridge Road, was founded in 1963 and draws its 240 students from Montville and surrounding towns. The school's first day is Wednesday.

Each day leading up to the start of the school year, we're bringing you information about Montville's schools.

Saturday:

Sunday: St. Pius X Welcomes Rachel's Challenge

Monday: Montville's Anti-Bullying Policy

Tuesday: New Security Measures

Wednesday: First Day of School!