SSMS eighth graders accept the "Challenge"

Eighth-grade students at South Side Middle School learned the importance of acceptance, understanding and empathy during the annual “Challenge Day”

Assistant Principal Rose Cammarata was instrumental in bringing the California-based program to the school over nine years ago. Only selected students participated in the early years of the assembly, but middle school officials have since opened it up to the entire grade and their teachers.

“Challenge Day” is an experiential social and emotional learning program for secondary students and provides schools an opportunity to promote school connectedness, empathy, and inclusivity. Two representatives from the company led the activities and discussions each day.

The eighth graders and their teachers were divided into three groups. From Jan. 30 to Feb 1, one section spent the entire day inside the gymnasium participating in group discussions, social activities and games. No students were allowed to leave the gym, except to use the restroom, and the door windows were covered with construction paper to minimize distractions and ensure privacy. Each child had to bring their own lunch as well.

Despite being held in one room for over six hours, the students and teachers were actively engaged and eagerly participated throughout the day. They learned the signal of love, danced, played with big cage balls, and a “cross the line” activity that identified similarities and differences between the students on personal topics.

“You see the kids that are very vulnerable,” said Cammarata. “It really brings all this gushing of love and empathy out.”

Later, everyone gathered in one big group and some volunteered to stand and publicly apologize to classmates or students they potentially wronged. Teachers and even the school’s security guard gave testimonials.

Cammarata remembered one particular exchange on the first day.

“One girl raised her hand and said to another girl, ‘I didn’t know you had such a tough childhood. I’ve been your friend, but I never knew that. I’m really sorry. I could have been nicer to you,’” Cammarata recalled. “That’s what I think stays with the kids.”

After that, the students paired up, some with teachers, and were given time to express their feelings while the other acted as a “cheerleader.”

“It’s an awesome opportunity for these kids,” said eighth-grade social studies teacher Jon Wiesenberg. “They can actually emote in front of one another without feeling vilified or used against them. It’s a nice emotional release for a lot of these kids. It’s a beautiful thing.”

After the students went home for the day, the teachers remained in the gym and discussed with the facilitators which children were in need of the most help.

A lot of the students left with lessons that the school hoped will carry over into high school next fall.

“Challenge Day taught me that people show up to school with a smile and you don’t really know what kids are going through,” said Ashlynn Beauge. “You may have similar problems and that helps.”

Montana Mahwinney found comfort knowing that she could confide in teachers as well as her peers.

“Challenge Day was a great experience for kids to open up to each other and include adults as well,” she said. “It was a safe environment for everyone to talk comfortably.”

Oceanside Middle School assistant principal Dan Keegan was there on the final day and left the building impressed with the program.

“It’s super-powerful,” he said. “It’s something that every adolescent could benefit from. Everyone can use it.”