HVCC continues life lesson programs, dive into spring

DEL NORTE- The High Valley Community Center is well into the 2020 school year and is continuing to offer a wide range of educational programs and field trips to local and visiting students from around the Valley. The center also introduced some new programs including Up-Rise, a program platform to help educate students on the fundamentals and dangers of using tobacco, Vaping and drugs.
According to a description of the program provided by the Director of Operations Kathryn Trujillo, the program focuses on utilizing education platforms to educate students on the dangers of using tobacco and Vaping. “We feel that the more they know students will be able to make healthier decisions on their own. We say, here are all the facts and then allow them to make their own decisions based on their facts. We show them how tobacco companies target certain demographics to entice younger people to use their products, as well as, the dangers smoking presents to their health.”

In the next few weeks the center has partnered with the Rio Grande Prevention Partners, as well as Rio Grande Public Health, to provide more education opportunities with a booth that will be set up at the Upper Rio Grande School District’s Knowledge Bowl Fundraiser Thursday, March 5, at 5 p.m. in the new school. “We will be handing out educational pamphlets as well as prizes and gifts,” said Trujillo.
In addition to the Up-Rise program, the center has also continued to offer fun and innovative after school programs for several students throughout the region. According to Trujillo the younger students have the option to participate in homework help, curl up in their comfy reading corner or participate in two different educational activities during the after-school program.
“We have four alternating activities that students can choose from. Two activities such as hibernating animals and a math game on Tuesdays and Thursdays and then two other activities on Mondays and Wednesdays. This allows the students to enjoy a variety of activities and not have to miss out on any throughout the week.”
The center is also offering two other programs for their teen students that include a Banking and Money Wise program that helps prepare students for life after school. “We focus not only on basic banking skills like balancing a check book but also how to pay attention to where and how students will spend their money based on their personalities. For instance, we have them put money into a fictional savings account, pay bills and then use what is left over for fun activities while having the students realize where they spend their money. For example, this can help them realize that instead of going out for coffee with friends they may want to focus on using their money elsewhere.”
In addition to the Banking and Money Wise program the center also offers the Overcoming Obstacles program which enables students to overcome potential difficulties they may encounter in life. “We like to think of it as a basic life skills program. Students learn how to deal with difficult emotions or perhaps difficult people. Skills like these will help them be productive and beneficial members of the communities they call home.”
Next the center will be working on a science night where students will showcase their interactive science skills. Some students will be making ice cream to share with those in attendance or other interactive science projects. The date and time for this event will be announced soon.