The purpose of this letter is to tell you about the Challenge Day program at Lower Lake High School. Challenge Days are powerful, high-energy programs in which youth and adult participants are guided through a series of experiential learning processes.
The overall goals of the program are to increase personal power and self esteem, to shift dangerous peer pressure to positive peer support, and to eliminate the acceptability of teasing, violence and all forms of oppression. The Challenge Day program is designed to unite the members of the school/community and to empower them to carry the themes of the program back to the school population. Challenge Day also successfully addresses issues of violence, teasing, social oppression, racism, harassment, conflict management, suicide, peer-pressure, alcohol and drugs. Challenge Day provides an opportunity for all who participate to have a life-changing day. We are committed to making LLHS a place where all are safe, loved and celebrated. A team of students, staff and parents are working together as our Be The Change team to achieve this mission. Violence has been significantly reduced, and students report that they have formed friendships with a wider group than previously. We encourage adults to volunteer as positive role models for the benefit of the youth. The program welcomes parents/guardians, educators, law enforcement, elected officials, community members and other interested adults. Please notify me if you or someone you know would like to be a part of our Challenge Day program.
Adult participants are crucial for the success of the day. We meet with all adults for at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the program to let you know what is needed from you and to answer your questions. No training is necessary other than the morning check-in meeting. Our Challenge Day staff closely monitors the program and our leaders will give all instructions throughout the day. You must be able to remain on site and participate fully for the entire program, including 30 minutes at the end of the day for a post-Challenge Day debriefing.
We are hosting two Challenge Days during the 2010-11 school year, on Sept. 22 and 23. We would like to invite you to join us as an adult participant for either, or both, days. Adult participants need to be here from 7:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the gym. Lunch is provided, and comfortable clothing is suggested. If you would like to join us, or know someone who would, please contact me at 994-6471, ext. 2707, or amy.osborn@konoctiusd.org. My cell phone number is 972-3924. Additional information about Challenge Day is available at www.challengeday.org.
Amy Osborn, Counselor
Challenge Day Coordinator
Lower Lake High School
Lower Lake
