MYCP - Monroe Youth Challenge Program

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Adult Volunteers Needed for Sept. Challenge Days

KEY WEST (364 words) – For the past eight years campus atmosphere and student-to-student respect has been improved in Monroe County through Challenge Day, which is sponsored by Monroe Youth Challenge Program. “Adult volunteers working in tandem with peer facilitators in small groups are what make the day safe, powerful, and so amazing,” said MYCP Director Sunny Booker. Adult volunteers are asked to register as soon as possible.

The intense one-day Challenge Days are designed to help youth break down walls of hatred, decrease school violence, and reduce the number of incidents related to bullying.

Photo credit: MYCP

In individual student’s lives and in overall school safety on all three Monroe County High Schools this high-energy day has made a huge impact. It successfully addresses the issues of violence, racism, teasing, stereotypes, tobacco, and alcohol and drug abuse within the context of teen life.

Challenge Days are scheduled at Marathon High School Monday, Sept. 8; Key West High School Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sept. 9 – 11; and at Coral Shores High School Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 15-16.

The Monroe County School District must conduct a background screening of every volunteer to ensure the safety of all students. Challenge Day volunteers do not have to pay for the cost of screening. For anyone who volunteered last year, the screening does not have to be redone because it is valid for five years.

Registration is simple. It requires 11 lines of information to be completed on a one-page form. Volunteers then need to attach a copy of their photo driver’s license to the form and return it to the nearest high school or mail it to the district office at least two weeks prior to volunteering.

To volunteer or get more information, please contact the Monroe Youth Challenge Program representative for each school: In the Upper Keys - Michele Sutter at (305) 852-1664 or jade21@bellsouth.net; Middle Keys - Katrina Wiatt at (305) 743-3684 or wiatts@terranova.net; Lower Keys and Key West – Mindy Vinson at (305) 293-1549 x422 or mindy.vinson@keysschools.com.

Monroe Youth Challenge Program is a project of the Monroe County Education Foundation to foster acceptance, respect, and success in the youth of Monroe County. Downloadable forms are also available through the district website at www.keysschools.com.