WESTFIELD–The Westfield Police Department, in conjunction with the Westfield Schools, will be taking on Rachel’s Challenge for the third consecutive year, Sept. 26 and 27.
Rachel’s Challenge is a bullying and violence abatement program that was born out of the death of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim in the 1999 Columbine High School Massacre. The program seeks to create safer and more connected schools through community programs and character-building. Students at North and South Middle Schools will receive presentations from members of Rachel’s Challenge, then everyone from the community is urged to attend a community event presentation at 6 p.m., Sept. 27, at North Middle School.
The program has been headed by Westfield Police Sgt. Eric Hall, who also runs the community police department for Westfield.
“This program improves the climate and makes people think before they make decisions,” school superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said. “It encourages kids to choose positive influences and speak kindly to others.”
STEFAN CZAPOROWSKI
The program will be held exclusively at the middle school level, after being exclusively at the high school level the first year and at both the high school and middle school levels last year.
High school students can expect a different program called “Project Purple Initiative,” which is an anti-substance abuse program. That will be presented to students in November.
The program over the past two years has promoted community engagement and assistance, Czaporowski said. Last year as an example, Westfield Technical Academy students participated in the Teens for Jeans program, a nationwide program dedicated to getting pairs of jeans for homeless teens.
The program also attempts to lower bullying by creating more dialogue between students and developing positive characteristics in students. Communication is key in the program.
“If we can get rid of bullying it makes it easier for police down the road,” Hall said.
Several local businesses have come together to raise funds for the program and to make it free to run. These businesses are Massachusetts Bankers Association Charitable Foundation, Dunkin’ Donuts, the Sardinha family, Advance Manufacturing, the Amanti family and the United Bank Charitable Foundation.
“All of these programs cost money and Eric was able to get funding for these programs and we are very appreciative of his efforts,” Czaporowski said.
