Shaffer, Mortensen elementaries link up for a cause

On May 27, Shaffer and Mortensen elementaries joined thousands of chain links to celebrate a year devoted to Rachel’s Challenge.

More than 1,000 students from Mortensen and Shaffer elementaries joined Kindness Links in the Rachel’s Challenge program.

The program formed in honor of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine shootings, exists to stand alongside education professionals at every level to inspire, equip and empower students from K-12 to make a positive difference in their world.
It is a powerful partnership that can replace bullying and violent behavior on school campuses with kindness and compassion, so students can learn in a safer, more respectful environment. This is the first year that the program has been incorporated into a Colorado elementary school. The school’s PTA paid for the program, which included weekly lessons and videos.
Other clubs have been developed alongside this program. Shaffer had more than 70 students who met every Tuesday after school for the KC (Kindness and Compassion) Club. Some of their projects this year included trick-or-treat bags for two children’s homes, a bake sale that raised money for the Rocky Mountain Deaf School and a jean drive for Jefferson County kids in need.
Mortensen had a KC craft club and a fifth- and sixth-grade mentor program to assist fellow classmates with special needs. Both schools integrated this into the Jeffco’s Day without Hate.
The chains were linked together and stretched the entire perimeter of the Ken Caryl Community Park. The links were held by a combined 1,000-plus students and teachers of both schools.