Barnegat High Schoolers Make Meaningful Connections On Challenge Day

BARNEGAT, NJ — Sixty Barnegat High School (BHS) students learned how to increase their self-esteem and foster a more positive school culture during Challenge Day recently.

The students learned how to develop better, more meaningful connections with their peers and community through powerful, interactive exercises on Jan. 13, according to a district news release.

The students, along with Barnegat Township School District (BTSD) staff, BHS’s School Resource Officer, other local law enforcement, and a volunteer from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, gathered for a full day of large group exercises and small group discussions to address teasing, violence and different forms of oppression. Challenge Day also focused on issues such as racism, harassment, conflict management, suicide, peer pressure, alcohol and drugs.

Challenge Day uses energetic, interactive activities to give teens the proper tools to reduce separation and encourage them to be the change needed to ensure they live, study and work in an encouraging environment filled with acceptance, love and respect. Barnegat’s Challenge Day was sponsored by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, and organized by BHS Assistant Principal Tracee DuBeck, BTSD Counselor Kim Burke, and BHS Counselor Lindsey Wasiak.

"Challenge Day is incredibly important and has a profound positive impact on our students,” said BTSD Superintendent Brian Latwis. “We are thankful to the Prosecutor’s Office for making this event possible, and I’m proud of our students for their participation and dedication to improving themselves and our school community.”

Founded in 1987, The Challenge Day program has touched the lives of more than a million teens and adults nationwide. Challenge Days are led by the non-profit's highly trained facilitators who teach participants to notice their surroundings, understand their emotions, and act with compassion and intention. The program activities are centered on five tested competency areas: self-management, social awareness, self-awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making.

Following the Challenge Day activities, students gathered in the auditorium, where they were able to connect with school counselors and spend time with Jager, one of the BHS therapy dogs.

To learn more about the Barnegat Township School District, visit https://www.barnegatschools.com.