Welcome to the Texasdtwt.com Website.
Welcome to the Texasdtwt.com Website
Seventh and eighth grade students are beginning the adolescent phase of their lives. This is a great transition physically, mentally and emotionally and a time when, all too often, youngsters engage in risky behavior that results in life altering consequences for them and others. It is imperative that we help guide them to the pathway of responsible adulthood.
To those of us who grew up in a time and place without gangs or drive-by shootings in our neighborhoods, without metal detectors and search dogs in our school corridors, it is inconceivable that our children worry about their safety and dignity; yet far too many do. Many are fearful in school or other public places that an accidental bump in the hallway will lead to violence, or that being different than others will lead to shunning and taunts.
Last year, more than 35,000 students accepted the Challenge and wrote candidly about their lives. Many expressed their fears anxieties, loneliness and yearnings for nurturing. They indicted the various entertainment media and the Internet for glamorizing sociopathic behavior and debasing standards of decency.
The Do the Write Thing Challenge provides students with the opportunity to also objectively look at their conduct and think about the near and long term effects. The emphasis on personal responsibility in the lesson plan enlists the students as positive agents of change in their own lives and environment.
The young students are doing their part, now it is up to the adults to enlist. The Challenge should be made available to more students throughout Texas. To accomplish this, we need the involvement of educators, community volunteers and sponsors. Please join me in supporting the Do the Write Thing Texas Challenge and help protect our young people from the pernicious influences in our culture and communities.
Robert Eckels, Chair
Do The Write Thing Texas Challenge
