Rachel's Challenge

The RIS Administration & Our PTSO
is proud to present

RACHEL’S CHALLENGE
Tuesday November 1, 2011
RIS Gymnasium
9:00am assembly for students & staff
7:00pm Presentation for Parents & the Westfield Community

 To prepare for this assembly, I want you to consider these questions and post your answers below:

• What would you consider to be bullying and why?
• Do you think that bullies always realize that they are bullying?
• Why do you think people bully others?
• What are some cliques at Roosevelt? How do these cliques affect the school culture in positive and negative ways?
• What are one or two things the school could do to improve the culture at Roosevelt?

For more information, we encourage you to visit the Rachel's Challenge Website



A Vision of K-12 Students

After watching this video, please comment on the following: How would you compare the ideas shown in the video to your actual experiences in Westfield? Do you feel fully engaged in your learning? What kind of education do YOU want?

Jackie Robinson - A True Hero

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play in the major leagues, for the Brooklyn Dodgers.From the very beginning, it was difficult for Jackie. Some of his own teammates did not want him and began a petition to stop him from playing with them. People in the crowds jeered at him and even threatened his family. While traveling, he had to stay in separate motels. One day, while fans were yelling rude remarks to Jackie, the team captain, Pee Wee Reese, walked out onto the field and put his arm around Jackie. Despite all these adversities, Jackie Robinson held his head high and continued to play the game to the best of his ability.

How do you think Jackie Robinson felt when he had to play baseball with people yelling at him and knowing that even some of his own teammates didn't want to play with him? Can you think of a time in your life when you had to face a difficult task and you persevered? How did it make you feel?

NBC Studio Tour/NYC Trip

On Thursday, December 2nd and Friday, December 3rd the 8th grade students at our school went on a class trip to New York City. Every group attended an NBC Studio Tour, but the rest of the day was planned by the individual groups and their chaperone. Some students went to the MOMA, some to the Sony Wonder Techno Lab, to St. Patrick's Cathedral, or just to special landmarks like Rockefeller Center and Times Square.


Reflecting on your experience, please write a response on this blog. What were some of the places you visited? Please include one positive comment on any particular aspect of the day.

Do you think that this trip was worthwhile, and should we continue to offer this trip for 8th grade students in the future?

"The Office" Technology Classroom

How accurate do you think this is? Is this what you see in most of your classes? If you were a teacher, how would you use technology in the classroom? What suggestions do you have to make the integration of technology more relevant?

Do you think that technology can help make a lesson better? Can you think of a class that you like specifically because of the technology? Is there a class that you don't enjoy? Do you think that you would be more motivated in that class if technology were used? Why or why not?

Watch What You Post On The Internet

After watching this PSA about posting on the Internet, think about the type of status updates/pictures/messages that you post on the Internet. Please comment on the following:

Have you ever posted something that you wouldn't want strangers to see or read? Have you ever read something on the Internet that a friend posted that you think she/he shouldn't have? Have you ever uploaded a video to YouTube that has your friends in it? If yes, did you check with your friends to make sure they were okay with you posting it? How can you be sure that no one but your friends can see your pictures and updates?

The Price of Silence

It is wrong to stay quiet when you see someone being bullied. It is hard to stand up to a bully - especially if the bully is one of the school leaders. Some people worry that if they speak up, they will be the next person to be the target of the bully. But, when one person speaks out against a bully, it empowers others to do the same thing.

How did you feel at first when everyone was circling around the victim and shouting? What was your reaction when the first student came forward? Have you ever been in a position where you got to stand up for someone else? How did it make you feel?