Eagle Ridge - Crossing the Line

While reading this post, please remember we are talking about a program in our PUBLIC SCHOOLS!

My kid came home last week from Eagle Ridge Middle and told me that her school had "CHALLENGE DAY". She wasn't "randomly" selected to participate.

So, what was Challenge Day I asked. I come to find out it was a 6 and 1/2-hour workshop for about 100 students. Yes, 6 1/2-hours during the school day. Challenge Day is a California-based corporation that according to its handbook, “provides youth and their communities with experiential workshops and programs that demonstrate the possibility of love and connection through the celebration of diversity, truth and full expression”

Uh oh...my Spider Sense was tingling...

And it gets worse...

The centerpiece of the Challenge Day workshop, “Crossing the Line,” grew out of “The Power Shuffle,” which is an exercise for adults that included violent offenders and substance abusers at the Oakland Mens Project. The following warning appears in the Power Shuffle guide; “As a final word of caution, this exercise should only be used by experienced facilitators who are comfortable with helping people process strong reactions in a group setting. If this exercise does not feel safe for your group, it’s best to omit it.”

If the “Power Shuffle” may not be safe for adults, what effect could it have on young teens?

And what kinds of questions do they ask? Students were asked to “Cross the Line” if…

[highlight]“You have ever been… called bi&CH, sl%t or wh#@re.”

“You have ever been called gay, fag or homo.”

“You or someone in your family has ever been raped or sexually molested.”

“Someone in your family is an alcoholic.”

“you or someone in your family is or has been struggling with an addiction to prescription, or illegal drugs.”

“you have ever witnessed someone being brutally beaten or killed.”

“You have ever thought seriously of, or if someone you care about has ever seriously thought of, or ever attempted, committing suicide.” [/highlight]

Ok, so remember we are talking about MIDDLE SCHOOL CHILDREN AT PUBLIC SCHOOL.

What the media has said about Challenge Day
A Seattle Times editorial opined, “It is alarming that nearly 300 Seattle Public Schools students have already participated in Challenge Day workshops. These 12- and 13-year-olds went through sessions reminiscent of est, or Lifespring encounter groups……While the goal of the seminars has merit — to create a safe school environment free of teasing and harassment — their methods don’t belong under the imprimatur of public education.”

Here is how one reporter working for the Sonoma News recently described her personal experience with Challenge Day as a 16-year-old student in Marin County several years ago. “Maybe it’s just me, but I’m not comfortable sharing the worst moments of my life by crossing a line in front of 300 people…”

Of course Oprah loves it. Hugs, tears and apologies can be quite compelling. Oprah says, “This is how we change the world.”

Unlike mainstream school anti-bullying or anti-suicide programs, Challenge Day lacks outcome data or an endorsement by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Why does Challenge Day seem reluctant to provide data about the effect of their programs on students?

Random / Privacy?
The students were told that the participants were "random." Hmmm, that may be true for some, but most were targeted for one reason or another. Seems that children who have spoken with guidance counselors ended up on the "random" list. Not to mention all of the kids who see you "cross the line" when asked about Uncle Johnnie's drinking problem. That'll make great lunchroom conversation.

Cost - Who's paying for this?
Yes, the cost is between $5300 and $8000 based on a variety of factors. Plus additional cost for follow on projects. So, it this is implemented in several Loudoun schools, the cost coud add up. Not sure who paid for this. I don't have all the details, but on the Loudoun County Public School website, they listed 200 students at Potomac Falls High School in 2005 and 2006.

I understand some families have problems and that children should have access to resources to help them cope. But this seems utterly ridiculous to me.

So, what do you think? Group therapy belongs in public school?

 

If your child didn't participate, how do you know who was there or what was said?

 

But people, the school system is destitute and the children are suffering. Sometimes I think the school system spends money just for the sake of spending money (we do ALWAYS vote for all their requested bond issues).

 

I would have definitely wanted some advanced warning of this, notification that it was going to happen and that my child was being 'randomly selected' to participate. I also would have wanted the opportunity to tell them whether or not I gave my permission for my child to participate.

 

The subject matter for this course is...SHOCKING.

 

Wow. So your child participated and you got no notification? This is shocking. Their website www.challengeday.org clearly states that participants and their parents should receive an invitation to the event and every child MUST have a signed parental permission form to participate. I had no idea Eagle Ridge was so lax with parent contact. My experience with Mill Run is much different. They tell you about assemblies in advance and we have to sign permission forms for lots of stuff.

It really is amazing how much kids go through that we never talk about. I remember junior high as being a time of emotional upheaval just from the cliques that formed. I think if a school implements this as it's supposed to (with permission and 1 adult to 4 kids and resources and follow up) then it is likely to be very beneficial.

 

I recall watching about this program on Oprah some time ago and thinking at the time that Eagle Ridge could benefit and maybe the bullying that we've seen and experienced over there wouldn't have been as bad.

 

Big Dog,

I thank you for creating awareness and appreciated your post. Please don't let the likes of Flembus or Potato Man deter you.

 

I have one child that has gone thru Eagle Ridge and two in Eagle Ridge currently. Never heard of this program. I asked my child about this and he wasn't included. He seemed to think if was for the kids who are bullies, cause trouble in school, or one boy who came to school high. If he was involved in this, I would call the school and ask about the program, if i wasn't informed. Since none of us have kids who were involved in this program, we don't know if the parents were informed. (at least everyone has said they didn't have a child in this program.) Since none of us has called the school, it is wrong to accuse them of improper training, not informing parents, etc.. Aren't they innocent until proven guilty?

 

Is Potato Man suppose to be me?

I do not mind your ATTEMPT at being funny (or was it an attempt to ding me), but at least pick a thread that I have posted in if you are going to warn someone.

You should really try to post something intelligent every now and then to develop SOME credibility.

 

No... sorry if I made that impression. I do not have a middle school aged child. I was just saying that if I did, I would want notification. I have no information as to whether or not they did notify parents in advance.

 

First of all, my information was initially based on information my kid found out from here friends that actually went to it. Since I know that is hearsay, I then checked the Challenge Day website http://www.challengeday.org. Then I looked at articles on the Internet to see if what I was told was true (the exact questions they asked)-EVERYTHING checked out. All of the "Cross the Line" questions were asked at Eagle Ridge Middle School.

Yes, I suppose my main gripe about the schools is that they should focus on education. I believe that unqualified "COACHES" (you can see their qualifications on their website-let's just say none have advanced degrees in Psychology) should not be pulling any students out of school to have a big privacy-free cryfest. School (especially during the schoolday), should be a place of learning-not a place for [highlight]"Transformational Workshops"[/highlight]. Every concerned parent should have that gripe.

You see nothing wrong with having Middle Schoolers watch their peers CROSS THE LINE if they have been sexually assaulted or ever though of committing suicide (they literally take a step over a blue line so everyone can see)?

You wouldn't have a problem letting your children participate in programs like this? Or maybe you think it's not ok for your kid, but not so bad for others-and no problem in a public school?

And I will be speaking to the school administrators. Just wanted to see how my neighbors felt about this.

 

Many years ago when I worked for a state university we were required to attend a "diversity" workshop. It sounds somewhat similar, although mine was geared toward adults. It included the same kind of questions about whether or not we ever felt we had been discriminated against, called a certain name, etc. People were encouraged to tell personal stories about being discriminated against and other highly personal issues.

The goal was to raise awareness about racism, sexism, and the like. Considering we were in a workshop with immediate co-workers and others working for the university, it was uncomfortable for many, including me. I don't have issues with being discriminated against in any way, but the fact that people were expected to be fully open and intimate with their feelings in a workplace setting was an issue. It felt like the people holding the workshop really wanted a lot of emotion to come out. Although I'm sure people were encouraged to speak privately later if they felt it brought up issues for them they wanted to talk about, the general sense was not that welcoming (at least to me).

I think these types of programs have their place but you should tread carefully because they can create open-ended problems by simply bringing personal issues to the forefront without full resolution with trained professionals (psychologists).

 

There is more to school than "book learning". Social skillls are very important in life. (I am sure we all know a few doctors that could of used a course in manners not to mention a few people on these boards.) I would think that if the target group are the bullies, troubled kids, etc.. their learning is already impacted and this might just help them do better in school. HMMMMM, the school would like to help kids! who woulda thunk!
Again, i wonder how you know what was asked in this session without talking to the school.? I really think you are trying to cause panic in parents at Eagle Ridge. Did you ask the parents of your child's friends that attended if they were informed? that would of been the easiest way to find out.

and........... i thought on another thread you said home schooled your kids. guess that was someone else??

 

I'm with you there. This is America...virtually all bad ideas can be pursued.

This is true, except we don't need to spend money and 6 1/2 hours of school time in the middle of the day for the "other social issues."

Maybe you don't know, but I know for sure what shouldn't be in the schools in the middle of the day - "transformational workshops."

And as far as trusting those trained and hired to make those decisions...maybe you should move to a more trust but verify approach.

I understand. I personally don't care what you want to do with you kids. I don't care if they join the International Pursuit of Truth for Light Fairies. It's just that I wouldn't want you to bring in the Light Fairy facilitators during my kids public school day and expect the taxpayers to pay for it.

I already said I understand therapy might be fine for some. And this isn't an issue of values. This is why we don't allow religion in schools. There are lots of groups who would like to enter the schools and access the children "for a good cause". And they don't belong in the schools either.

 

I didn't say that parents weren't notified. The "random" kids had to get the opt-in note approved. Now that I think about it, that is scary that 100 parents signed off on it.

I homeschool my 5th grader (after 5 years at Hillside) and truly, truly, truly hope that I can send him to Eagle Ridge next year.

Panic? I really hope that I some other parent sees BS like this, they are brave enough to post it for others to be informed. I would rather be panicked and informed than not informed. Other than forums like this, there are few ways to keep in touch with what is really going on in your school.

 

If you are so against this, what about COVE? do you not approve of that because it takes away from the book work? Middle school isn't the same as when we were in school. We never had a police officer in our school. Kids are mean! they have more ways to bully! not all parents monitor their kids on the computer or text messages. not all parents want to believe that their kids could/would do something wrong. sometimes someone else has to step in to offer help. if school wants to help and that means a troubled kid misses a day of instruction so he can learn to deal with the other 179 days of instruction and not disturb the kids who want to learn, then IMO, great.
If 100 parents signed the form and basicly said "HELP" then great! they care and want their child to do well in school and life. why are we worried? it only helps.

if this forum is the only way some parents know what's going on in their child's school, then that is another problem all together!

 

Was just talking to my kids about this program a little more, my son seems to think this was done at the end of the school day and the kids who participated stayed after school. he may be wrong, but sounds like this may not have been during instruction time. Again, a call to the school would answer these questions.