Today, a representative for Rachel’s Challenge, an organization dedicated to encouraging high school students to create positive change and pursue kindness, spoke during the extended homeroom. Seniors attended the presentation in person and live-streamed it to other grades in their homerooms.
What was meant to be an uplifting message delivered to students resulted in two major school issues: hundreds of students left school during the homeroom and those who stayed were disrespectful and uncaring towards the cause.
Students who left school were found eating at nearby restaurants such as Chipotle, Jimmy Johns, Taco Bell and Hardies.
Police and administrators followed students as they left the campus and forced them to return to school. Each student’s ID and Skyward were recorded. These students now face in-school suspension for their actions.
However, the students who made a joke in the presentation will not face any consequences. This lack of respect and engagement was disappointing, especially considering the serious nature of the message.
The Rachel’s Challenge presentation aimed to unite students and highlight the importance of kindness and community. Given our school’s large urban setting, the message about the Columbine shooting is particularly relevant.
Students seem unable to comprehend the significance of situations like these. In a story in which 13 people died, 12 of whom were highschoolers, it should resonate with students that this is a serious matter.
Not only that, students don’t believe they will receive consequences for disrespect and disobedience. They view themselves as above the rules, when in reality they are expected to abide by them.
There are many freedoms granted to students at NC because it is believed that by high school, students can be responsible with said freedoms. This abuse of those freedoms can and likely will lead to them decreasing.
For many students, the presentation’s message should have resonated deeply, yet it was met with laughter and disregard by some.
To foster a positive school culture, students need to take events like the Rachel’s Challenge presentation seriously and reflect on how the message applies to their lives and school environment.
The new principal and administration are making efforts to build a positive culture, and students should reciprocate by showing respect and making changes in their behavior.
This incident also raises questions about school security. It should not be so easy for students to leave campus during school hours. If such breaches occur, there should be serious consequences to ensure accountability and prevent future incidents.
Not only that, but the school is accountable for students during the school day. If something were to happen to the entitled students who left the building, it is the school to blame. It should be much more difficult for students to leave the building, let alone the campus.
For students to grasp the administration’s message and contribute to a positive school culture, respect and responsibility must be prioritized. Students must understand that their actions reflect on the entire school community, and they should work together with the administration to create a respectful and safe environment.
