Rehoboth Beach Club Supports Challenge Day

by Rosemary Cummings

(Pictured above: Mariner MS Principal Mike Dmiterchik, Challenge Day Teachers Dana Orton and Trish Collins, Rehoboth President Jim Kunkle presenting check, club Pres-Elect Joe Brake.)

Kiwanis Club of Rehoboth Beach has agreed to sponsor and support the Challenge Day program at Mariner Middle School and Cape Henlopen HS. Challenge Day is scheduled for Dec 13th and 14th to address some common issues seen at most schools during school programs including cliques, gossip, rumors, negative judgments, teasing, harassment, isolation, stereotypes, intolerance, racism, sexism, bullying, violence, homophobia, hopelessness, apathy, and hidden pressures to create an image, achieve or live up to the expectations of others. At the end of every Challenge Day program, all participants who fully participate will:

1. Never again be able to say they didn't know that negative judgments, thoughtless jokes, rumors, or oppressive behaviors, comments or violence hurts people.
2. Be challenged to adopt the three step formula for creating positive change:

• NOTICE - Wake up! Notice what's happening.
• CHOOSE - Dream It! Create a vision for what you DO want your life to look like.
• ACT - Do Something! Have the courage and commitment it takes to be the change.
  

3. Be challenged to celebrate the diversity of ALL people.
4. Be encouraged to "drop the waterline" and to share and express their true selves (instead of hiding who they are to fit in at school or in their community)
5. Be provided with tools and alternatives for the healthy self expression while also being challenged to let go of self limiting thoughts, beliefs, and/or emotions.
6. Be challenged to live in a life in service to others.

Challenge Day programs are the catalyst for creating positive change in schools and communities. We believe each school can be an expert in knowing and understanding the needs of their students and for this reason, we ask schools and their communities to help sustain the changes made during the Challenge Day programs.ach school will have a Be the Change Team and the program provides tools and curricula for schools to sustain the momentum created by the program so every school can be a place where students and faculty feel safe, loved, and celebrated.