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A program aimed at empowering and encouraging young girls navigating their stressful teenage years will continue in the Fort Dodge Community School District.
Last year, the district implemented the Ruling Our eXperience (ROX) program and saw great success from its graduates, so the district will be continuing with the 20-week program again this year.
On Monday, the Fort Dodge Community School Board of Education approved the use of $12,000 from the at-risk designated funds to pay for the program.
According to Aaron Davidson, executive director of educational services for the district, the program will support 120 girls in fifth through 12th grades.
"Our counseling team identifies girls that they know would be the most at-risk," Davidson said. Teachers and principals can also recommend students for the program.
About 65 of the 120 girls participating across the district will be at Fort Dodge Senior High. The rest of the spots are spread out across the four elementary schools and Fort Dodge Middle School.
"It's not easy being a kid today, and a lot of times, being a young lady, it's even more difficult," Davidson said. "So this gives them some resources to help them be successful."
Female counselors and staff at the schools have been trained to facilitate the ROX program. The groups meet a minimum of once a week during a homeroom or skill-building class time.
The ROX program focuses on issues that teen girls deal with, such as confidence issues, jealousy, building better relationships, and body issues. The program focuses on offering them support and the tools they need to handle those areas better.
Other topics include academics, confidence, dating, friendship, leadership, dealing with social media and stress and pressure.
"The girls are typically really excited about it," Davidson said.