Rachel's Challenge to return to Southmoreland; community event set for May 7

Nicole Prufnick, a sixth-grade language-arts teacher and Southmoreland graduate, told the board she and community partners raised funds to bring Rachel's Challenge back to the district. She said the program is grounded in the writings and outreach of Rachel Joy Scott, emphasizes empathy and social-emotional learning, trains student leaders and staff, and includes a community evening presentation on May 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

"I promise you, nothing will be the same," Prufnick said of the experience, and she urged board members and families to attend. She described program elements including three live presentations, training for roughly 90 students and 10 staff who will sustain the initiative, and family-oriented community events to extend the program beyond the school day.

Board members asked about expanding to the high school and were told the high-school presentation would require a separate venue and scheduling; administrators said eighth graders will be trained to carry elements to the high school.