This fall, the Family Resource Center Director at the Herald Whitaker Middle School asked to partner with the FCS program to offer educational programming for a group of “At-Risk” middle school students.  As a result, we formed a group of 15 students who met each Friday for a life skills class.  Using the Botvin Life Skills curriculum, that has been adopted for use by the University of Kentucky Family and Consumer Sciences program, the students were instructed weekly with lessons on emotional health, decision making, avoiding substance abuse, relationships, etc.  

              The students were given time to discuss, express opinions, and vent their feelings in this setting.  The counselor at the school and the Family Resource Director included some students who were not having issues, but that the other kids respected and liked, to assist in keeping discussion moving in a positive direction.  After the lesson of the day, the students were given time to go into a student lounge, that had bean bag chairs, board games, music, and snacks, to spend some fun time with one another.  The reward made the students look forward to the time, and allowed them some relaxing time to socialize and develop friendly relationships with one another.  

              As a result of the program, several of the students have had improved attendance and grades.  There is still room for improvement in the students involved, but the partnership will continue throughout the year, and will hopefully give the students the tools that they need to be better students and family members.