Lansdale Middle School To Host Anti-Bullying Program

LANSDALE – Penndale Middle School is hosting a renowned anti-bullying assembly program for the entire student body on Wednesday, March 16th, the North Penn School District announced.

“Rachel’s Challenge” is a program that was started by the father of 17-year-old Rachel Scott, the first victim to be shot and killed at Columbine High School in 1999.

The program provides a series of platforms and strategies that awaken and equip students and adults to sustain the safe, caring and supportive learning environment essential for academic achievement. Programs are based on the life and writings of Rachel Scott, according to the district.

Rachel's legacy of deliberately reaching out to those who were different, new at school or picked on by others is the basis for strategies that help schools promote a positive learning environment by sustaining a climate less susceptible to harassment, bullying, suicide and violence.

Rachel's Challenge programs provide a sustainable, evidence-based framework for positive climate and culture in schools. Fully implemented, partner schools achieve statistically significant gains in community engagement, faculty/student relationships, leadership potential, and school climate; along with reductions in bullying, alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.

Every year over 1.5 million people are involved in Rachel’s Challenge programs, more than 1,200 schools and businesses are reached and over 150 suicides are averted. Bullying and violence decrease and community service and acts of kindness increase as a result of involvement in this program.

Rachel’s Challenge will be presented on Wednesday, March 16th at 10:00 a.m. in the auditorium at Penndale Middle School, located at 400 Penn Street in Lansdale.