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August 4, 2026 — BUTTE, MT. —Rachel’s Challenge CEO Kristi Krings joined educators, school leaders, mental health professionals, and safety experts this week at the Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit in Butte, Montana, to discuss one of the most important factors in school safety: student connection.

The summit brought together professionals from across the state to share best practices for creating safer schools through prevention, preparedness, and positive school climate. During her keynote, Kristi emphasized that connected students are more engaged, more likely to seek help when they need it, and better equipped to contribute to a positive learning environment.

Throughout the event, speakers reinforced a common message: creating safer schools requires more than emergency planning—it also means investing in relationships, student well-being, and proactive school climate strategies.

Rachel’s Challenge was honored to be part of this important conversation and to stand alongside so many educators and leaders committed to creating schools where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.

See more on NBC Montana. 

To learn more, get in touch, bring Rachel’s Challenge to a school, partner with us, or donate please visit our website at www.rachelschallenge.org.

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April 23, 2026 — LYNN, M.A. — At Saint Mary’s School, students are bringing kindness to life by supporting children with autism as they learn to ride bikes during the annual Bike Clinic.

Through patience, encouragement, and hands-on guidance, student volunteers help build both skills and confidence—proving that small, intentional actions can create meaningful breakthroughs.

More than an event, it’s a reflection of a deeper culture: when students lead with empathy and connection, they create a chain reaction that strengthens both individuals and the entire community.

Read more on WBZ News. 

To learn more, get in touch, bring Rachel’s Challenge to a school, partner with us, or donate please visit our website at www.rachelschallenge.org.

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April 25, 2026 — LYNN, M.A. — Students at St. Mary’s High School are turning compassion into action—partnering with Northeast Arc to help children with autism learn to ride bikes during a hands-on community event.

Led by student volunteers, the initiative reflects a simple but powerful idea: small acts of service can create meaningful change. Whether supporting a child’s first successful ride or offering encouragement along the way, students are building connection beyond their school walls.

Moments like these show how kindness, when put into action, strengthens communities and creates impact that lasts far beyond a single day.

Read more on ItemLive. 

To learn more, get in touch, bring Rachel’s Challenge to a school, partner with us, or donate please visit our website at www.rachelschallenge.org.

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April 22, 2026 — ALMONT, M.I. — Almont School District brought together all PreK–12 students for a unified stand against bullying, creating a powerful, student-centered experience focused on connection and belonging.

Through a symbolic chain activity, students demonstrated a simple but critical truth: every individual matters, and stronger connections create safer schools. Inspired by the message to “start a chain reaction,” the event reinforced how small acts of kindness can reduce bullying, strengthen empathy, and build a culture where students support one another.

When connection becomes visible, culture begins to shift—and that’s where real change starts.

Read more on The Tri-City Times. 

To learn more, get in touch, bring Rachel’s Challenge to a school, partner with us, or donate please visit our website at www.rachelschallenge.org.

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April 22, 2026 — BRAINERD, M.N. — Forestview Middle School is building a culture where kindness isn’t occasional—it’s intentional, consistent, and student-led.

Through year-long initiatives, from kindness chains and student-created campaigns to leadership training and peer-led clubs, students are actively shaping a more connected and supportive school environment. Experiences like these reinforce a key truth: when kindness becomes part of daily behavior, it strengthens mental health, reduces bullying, and helps every student feel seen and valued.

By empowering students to lead and model compassion, Forestview is creating more than activities—it’s creating lasting cultural change, one small act at a time.

Read more from The Brainerd Dispatch. 

To learn more, get in touch, bring Rachel’s Challenge to a school, partner with us, or donate please visit our website at www.rachelschallenge.org.

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April 22, 2026 — ALMONT, M.I. — More than 1,300 PreK–12 students at Almont Community Schools came together on April 20 to form a symbolic ribbon chain at the high school football field—representing unity, empathy, and connection.

Led by student volunteers, the event turned a simple act into a powerful reminder: when students come together with intention, they help create a culture where everyone belongs.

Read more from The County Press. 

To learn more, get in touch, bring Rachel’s Challenge to a school, partner with us, or donate please visit our website at www.rachelschallenge.org.

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March 19, 2026 — MANDAN, N.D. —

Nearly 27 years after the tragedy at Columbine High School, the impact of that day continues to shape conversations around school culture, student well-being, and connection.

In schools across the country, those ideas are still striking a chord. Students and educators alike point to ongoing challenges like bullying, isolation, and the hesitation many young people feel when it comes to asking for help. At the same time, they highlight something simple but powerful: small acts of kindness—like a compliment or a moment of inclusion—can have a lasting impact.

As students experience these presentations, many begin to reflect more deeply on how they treat one another and the role they play in shaping their school environment.

Read more on KFYR. 

To learn more, get in touch, bring Rachel’s Challenge to a school, partner with us, or donate please visit our website at www.rachelschallenge.org.

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February 27, 2026 — Brookville, PA — Kindness Week at Brookville Elementary was more than themed dress-up days — it was a week of intentional action.

Students held doors, helped clean classrooms and lockers, and made a point to say “thank you.” Small, everyday choices created visible momentum throughout the building.

Earlier in the month, students attended an assembly that reinforced a simple truth: even the tiniest act of kindness can make a meaningful difference. That message carried through each themed day of the week, encouraging school pride, generosity, confidence, and personal responsibility.

The impact is continuing beyond one week.

Read more on The Courier Express. 

To learn more, get in touch, bring Rachel’s Challenge to a school, partner with us, or donate please visit our website at www.rachelschallenge.org.

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February 24, 2026 — Baxter, MN — Students at Forestview Middle School were challenged with a powerful reminder: you never know how far a little kindness can go.

During a recent presentation, students reflected on how their daily choices — who they include, how they speak, and the influences they follow — shape the culture of their school.

They were encouraged to look for the best in others, dream big, choose positive influences, speak with kindness, and start their own chain reaction.

The day ended with students signing a banner, committing to lead differently — not just for a moment, but as a mindset.

Because culture shifts when students decide to make even the smallest ripple.

Read more on The Brainerd Dispatch. 

To learn more, get in touch, bring Rachel’s Challenge to a school, partner with us, or donate please visit our website at www.rachelschallenge.org.

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February 19, 2026 — Brookville, PA — Kindness Week in Brookville began with a clear message: kindness is a choice — and it doesn’t require recognition.

During assemblies, students reflected on how it feels to receive kindness compared to experiencing unkindness, reinforcing why everyday actions matter. They were challenged to live out five commitments: say and do kind things, accept and include others, choose positive influences, dream big, and start their own chain reaction.

The work didn’t stop there.

In the afternoon, approximately 80 student leaders participated in leadership training, generating nearly 30 ideas to strengthen kindness across their school and community. From “Caught Being Kind” initiatives to locker notes and community outreach, students began turning reflection into strategy.

Brookville’s Kindness Week wasn’t just a kickoff — it was a launch point for sustained, student-led impact.

Read more on The Courier Express. 

To learn more, get in touch, bring Rachel’s Challenge to a school, partner with us, or donate please visit our website at www.rachelschallenge.org.

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