Jacobs challenges students to improve climate

Francesca DiMaggio knows teenagers are hard to convince.

The assistant principal and activities director at Jacobs High School acknowledges "there's a lot of cynics in the world."

Still, DiMaggio and her fellow educators at the Algonquin high school are hoping one girl's tragic story will inspire their students to change the way they treat each other.

The high school on Tuesday took on Rachel's Challenge, a program based on the life and writings of Rachel Scott, the first student killed in the Columbine High School shootings in 1999.

Derek Kilgore, one of more than 35 speakers from the nonprofit organization started by Rachel's parents, addressed Jacobs students Tuesday.

He issued five challenges to students, parents and staff:

• Look for the best in others.

• Dare to dream.

• Choose positive influences.

• Use kind words.

• Start a chain reaction.

Principal Michael Bregy is hoping a team of about 250 students trained by staff from Rachel's Challenge will be able to reinforce Tuesday's message of tolerance and kindness.

"I need your help," Bregy told students after the conclusion of two Tuesday morning assemblies. "I need everyone in this building to respect and appreciate each other."

Rachel's Challenge has visited other schools in the suburbs, including Buffalo Grove and Palatine high schools, DiMaggio said.

The assistant principal said she hopes Jacobs students can encourage other schools in District 300 and the Fox Valley Conference to accept Rachel's Challenge.

Jacobs has been a statewide leader in service learning, which combines instruction and community service, but has also had challenges with school climate, including a series of fights last year that led to four arrests.

DiMaggio said she's not expecting every student to embrace the message of Rachel's Challenge but hopes the students it does reach will make a big impact on the atmosphere at her school.

"We'd like it to affect the whole school, but we're kind of skeptical," DiMaggio said. "If we can make a difference in 20 percent of the population - to me, that's worth it."