MANCHESTER, N.H.- Across Manchester School District, high school students are discovering that they have more in common with each other than they may realize. Through annual Challenge Day events, students come together for a day of activities, meaningful conversations and personal connections that help strengthen their sense of belonging and remind them that they are not alone.
Guided by Student Assistance Program (SAP) counselors, school staff and community partners, the experience encourages students to embrace who they are, recognize the challenges others may face and build a more supportive school community.
“We want students to feel like they belong and that they are not alone in their journey,” said Catherine Kabala, SAP counselor at Central High School. “We want them to understand that they are supported, seen and heard while they are at school.”
“Challenge Day is an opportunity for students to have a little fun and get to know each other in a way that they may never connect with other students,” said Gail Brown, SAP counselor at West High School. “The hope is for students to recognize that they are not alone.”
Challenge Day is a national program, intentionally designed to help students feel comfortable before engaging in deeper conversations. Interactive activities to begin the day, like a mass rock, paper, scissors competition and dance breaks encourage students to participate, have fun and step outside their comfort zones. As the day progresses, so do the activities. By the end of the day, students engage in meaningful conversations while reflecting on their own experiences and learning more about the challenges their peers may be facing.
“Students do not know each other walking in and by the end of the day there are many new friendships made,” Kabala said.
Through these shared experiences, students begin to see their peers in a different light. The conversations help foster empathy, encourage kindness and remind students that they may not always know what someone else is experiencing outside of school.
“We are more alike than strangers,” Brown said.
A key part of Challenge Day is the involvement of adults who work alongside students throughout the experience. Teachers, counselors, administrators and community agencies participate, creating opportunities for students and adults to connect beyond their usual roles in the classroom.
Kabala said this interaction is especially meaningful because teachers do not always have the opportunity to see the experiences and perspectives students bring with them outside the classroom.
“Challenge Day gives teachers and students a different perspective of one another,” Kabala said. “After Challenge Day students and teachers have more understanding for one another and it builds stronger connections.”
The experience also encourages students to support one another in their everyday school routines, carrying the connections they make into the following day and beyond, whether through a simple greeting or a willingness to offer support.
Planning Challenge Day takes months of preparation and collaboration. SAP counselors coordinate supplies, food, adult participation and student invitations, while school administrators, guidance staff and community partners help make the event possible. Grants also provide important support for food and supplies.
All students are invited to participate, with the goal of bringing together a diverse group that reflects the school community.
For Kabala, the impact of Challenge Day is evident in the feedback she receives from students and adults afterward.
“Students always thank the person who invited them to Challenge Day,” Kabala said.
Students often share reflections such as “I needed this,” “I am going to be kinder to those around me,” “I do not feel alone” and “I made a new friend today.”
Teachers and other adults share a similar sentiment: “I needed this reminder.”
“It’s a great day. It’s a lot of work and very emotional, but overall, it’s an extremely positive experience that everyone should participate in at least once,” Brown said.
Challenge Day events will take place at Memorial and Manchester School of Technology later in November. For more information on Manchester’s SAP program, click here.
For more information on Challenge Day, click here.