Once again, our school district has the opportunity to team up with the City of Independence in order to provide an educational series. This Monday, January 9th, all students grades 5-12 will be participating in a Rachel’s Challenge assembly.
As educators and parents, we do our best to provide opportunities and resources that will protect our students and children. At Independence Local Schools, we are committed to finding the best resources and providing the best experiences in an effort to support our students and families in these difficult, post-covid times. The City of Independence and Indy Alive, our school-community partnership, has been a determined ally in this mission. Rachel’s Challenge is a nationally recognized, evidence-based positive school climate initiative. For all of the students that participate, this program will reinforce the benefits of kindness, empathy, and compassion.
This letter is to inform parents and students of our assembly being held on January 9, 2023 during the school day. Students grades 5-6 and 7-12 will be hearing inspirational messages from Rachel Joy Scott, a student that wanted to make the world a better place, but whose life was tragically taken during the Columbine tragedy on April 20, 1999. Those participating will hear from a friend of Rachel, continuing her mission of kindness and awareness for self and others.
Parents and community members are invited to attend a free Community Night Assembly on the same date of January 9th, at Independence High School from 6:30-7:30pm. (Due to the graphic nature of some of the story, we are asking that no children under the age of 12 attend this community night.) The night's assembly will mirror the 7-12 assembly held during the school day.
If there are any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Vanek or Mr. Hogue. Parents and community members can access more information on Rachel’s Challenge Website: https://rachelschallenge.org.
Thank you,
Jamie Vanek, TJ Ebert, and Jamie Hogue