THE CHAIN REACTION
CONTINUES AT PETERS
TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL
W
hen Rachel’s Challenge began in Peters
Township this September, it was important to
those organizing the kickoff that this dedication
to bringing more kindness to our community
was more than just a one-time event. Rachel’s Challenge needed
to become part of the culture of our community.
Peters Township has taken Rachel’s Challenge and run with it
in ways that the organizers could not have imagined. From the
student Friends of Rachel (FOR) Clubs, to the formation of the
first ever Regional FOR Club comprised of several local districts,
and the parent-led PT4Kindness group, the effort is really
growing roots in our schools and community.
Last month, staff members at Peters Township High School
continued their formal training in the program with more than
six hours of in-service called “The Chain Reaction.” This follow-up
day of training focused on helping our staff understand the need
to engage students in positive, supportive ways.
“We did this training as a High School team,” said Principal
Lori Pavlik. “Everyone participated – teachers, custodians,
administrators, clerical, paraprofessionals – everyone here helps
to create our culture and was invited to take part.”
While at times very personal in nature, the training
encouraged our staff members to see each other beyond what
they see on the surface every day. Initial exercises involved
breaking down barriers and finding commonalities among small
groups – groups found everything from being first born in their
family to where they went to college - along with trust exercises
to bring the group together.
“Our High School team has more than 110 staff members,”
added Pavlik. “We all got a chance to really get to know new
people beyond the traditional departments and existing
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PETERS TOWNSHIP
friendship groups – exactly what we need to encourage among
our students.”
The foundation of Rachel’s Challenge focuses on changing
the culture in a school to bring about positive change - to equip
and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and
negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion.
“Darrell Scott reminded us that kindness is contagious,” added
Assistant Principal April Ragland, referring to the community-
wide kickoff where Rachel’s father visited Peters Township and
spoke to a crowd of nearly 1,000 guests. “The more we can
model that behavior in our schools and community, the more
students we will reach.”
Peters Township Character Counts (PTCC) has also taken a
leadership role in bringing Rachel’s Challenge to our community.
For 20 years, PTCC has brought programs and events to Peters
Township focused on the core ideals of respect, responsibility
and honesty and Rachel’s Challenge fits right into the
organization’s goals.
“Rachel’s Challenge has doubled the attendance of our
monthly meetings with organizations and individuals who want
to offer their help and support,” added Christian Lesnett, High
School Assistant Principal who also helps to lead the monthly
meetings. PTCC is the only local organization comprised of not
only District representatives, but also the Township, Library,
Police Department, PTAs, local churches and the Chamber of
Commerce coming together for a common goal. Meetings are
open to anyone who would like to attend (more information may
be found online at www.ptsd.k12.pa.us/charactercounts.aspx).
Making a culture change does not happen overnight, but
with one act of kindness at a time… we just might start a chain
reaction.
EDUCATION FOUNDATION
DONATES $10K TO
PT SCHOOLS
T
he Peters Township Education Foundation is proud
to announce the winners of the 2019 GEO (Granting
Educators Opportunities) Grants. This year, the PTEF
provided $10,794.18 in funds to support classroom
projects.
The winners are:
John Antonelli & Jacob Orend: High School, Science
Mr. Antonelli and Mr. Orend received funding to construct
and manage a greenhouse for the high school. Students in the
Horticulture Club will work together to construct the greenhouse
and take care of the plants. Future work by the club could be
funded through plant sales etc.
Katie Stouden: Middle School, Library
Mrs. Stouden received a Sharp AQUOS Board for the Middle
School Library. The mobile and interactive board will be used to
increase student involvement in lessons and to make better use
of the flexible learning space in the library.
Meg Owens: McMurray, Library
Mrs. Owens received funding for an author to visit McMurray.
Students will have the opportunity to engage in the writing