Posted October 13, 2009

Dear Rosemount High School Parents/Guardians:

We are very excited that on Monday, October 19, Rosemount High School will be hosting a “Rachel’s Challenge” assembly for our students (during the school day) and for our community (during the evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center).  We encourage you to talk to your son or daughter about the program  and invite you to attend the evening presentation.   

Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation of a powerful program focused on how students treat others. The evening program for parent(s)/guardian(s) is similar to the student presentation, but will focus on showing how we can reinforce positive decision making by our students.  

Rachel’s Challenge:  Start a Chain Reaction:

- Look for the best in others – Eliminate Prejudice
- Dare to Dream – Set Goals – Keep a Journal
- Choose Positive Influences – Input Determines Output
- Kind Words & Actions = Huge Results
- Start a Chain Reaction with Family and Friends

Last year over 1300 schools across the country hosted the event, with 1,320,700 attendees in 48 states. We are a part of a 20 school fall tour in Minnesota including Apple Valley High School, Lakeville North and South High Schools, Rosemount Middle School and Burnsville High School.

The opportunity to host this event came to us last spring.  Dakota Electric Association has partially sponsored the event.  The Department Coordinators, Site Council and Student Council overwhelmingly supported bringing this program to Rosemount High School.   Eagan High School hosted the event last year.  Reports from EHS regarding the program are extremely positive.

The students will attend a one hour program in the morning and some student leaders will be able to attend a leadership training experience in the afternoon.  There will be an altered schedule for the day, but classes will be in session just like any regular school day.