Calhoun Hosts School-Bonding Challenge Day

Submitted by Bellmore-Merrick School District

During a three-day series of assemblies, students at Calhoun participated in a team-building and sharing program known as Challenge Day.

Held in the school’s gymnasium, 10th -graders broke into groups to take part in exercises designed to form bonds and encourage students to realize that they are not alone in their problems and that they have the power to be the change in their community.

Students began to realize that in light of others’ circumstances, being caring and empathetic toward one another is better than being judgmental.

The program was run with the help of hosts Shan Baker and Angela Aguilar, two members of the nonprofit organization Challenge Day/Be the Change. Throughout the day, students engaged in personal sharing exercises with teachers and participated in an activity called “Cross the Line,” where they would cross over a line and face their peers whenever they fit into a specific category called out by the event hosts.

“It was transformative and empowering for many students,” said Calhoun Principal Nicole Hollings. “We have gotten great feedback from parents and students about how important it is to continue the program annually.”

“I participated in Challenge Day for the first time and it was definitely successful and educational,” said Assistant Principal Neil Testa. “I did receive some phone calls from parents who wanted to express how impactful the program was for their child.”

Students helped raise funds for Challenge Day by selling “candy grams,” positive and encouraging messages printed on candy wrappers that can be gifted to classmates.

Calhoun’s leadership class heads up the fundraising activities for the annual program.

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