Is Rachel’s Challenge making a difference at Taylor? I think it is. Based on conversations with students, parents, and staff, it seems that students are making a conscious effort to show kindness and compassion to one another. Three Friends of Rachel Clubs are now meeting regularly and the numbers of students in each club are growing. But is it having an effect on discipline referrals? Consider the following numbers of total office referrals by grade level:
6th 7th 8th Total
August 3 11 2 16
September 15 58 19 92
October 18 31 27 76
November 6 23 38 67
These data show that overall referrals have dropped by 27% from September to November. Or consider changes in specific offenses:
Physical Aggression Fighting Verbal Harassment Bullying
August 1 0 0 4
September 20 11 8 2
October 9 8 2 4
November 4 1 1 0
Did Rachel’s Challenge help? I’d like to think so because the focus of the program is to create a school climate where bullying is not okay and where students feel safe. Only time will tell but I am very encouraged that we are on the right track. My thanks to all of you who have helped us make Rachel’s Challenge a reality at Taylor.
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