ADAMS TWP — The Mars School District community will get a chance next week to see first hand how a new positive school culture program is working.

District officials introduced the Rachel's Challenge program earlier this year as a way to promote a more positive school culture and anti-bullying campaign. The program is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott, the first victim of the Columbine High School tragedy. It works to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying and negativity with acts of respect, kindness and compassion.

Before school starting for the year, all staff heard from Scott's father, Darrell, and were introduced to the program. Elizabeth McMahon, assistant superintendent, said the message of the program became clear.

“It's more than anti bullying,” she said. “It's more of a what are we for? We are for kindness, we are for acceptance, we are for compassion.”

McMahon said that due to the nature and intensity of the news footage and topics dealt with in the program, different grade levels will receive different presentations.

Those assemblies are scheduled for Sept. 25 and 26 at the high and middle schools, respectively.

In addition, the district will introduce “Rachel's Challenge” to parents and community members as part of a Community Night Presentation from 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at Mars Area High School.

“Our community is not just a school,” McMahon said. “It permeates much further than the walls of our buildings.”

Read more about how Mars will implement Rachel's Challenge in the Butler Eagle.