RIPPLE

     RIPPLE is an after school program at the Belington Middle School in Barbour Country West Virginia. RIPPLE is dedicated to the prevention of violence and drug abuse among youth in Barbour County.
     RIPPLE meets every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30 until 6:00 PM during the school year. Students stay after school and parents are required to pick students up at the end of class. Snacks are provided free of charge every day RIPPLE meets.
     Students in the RIPPLE program are taught from the Second Step Curriculum which focuses on empathy, impulse control, anger maganement and problem solving skills.
     2 community service projects are done during the school year to build on the students respect for their school and community.
     Weekly pro-social activities are done to promote positive peer bonding. Activities include: Basketball, wallyball, movies, video games, board games, role playing games, and periodical social time.
     Guest speakers are invited from time to time to speak on special topics highlighted in our program. Previous speakers include DARE officials, Prunytown prisoners and youth health advocates.
     RIPPLE focuses on building strong social and positive character skills in children while teaching them to respect and care for thier community and others around them. RIPPLE also strives to reduce negative behaviors which may lead to violent tendencies or drug use.
     RIPPLE is funded by the Safe and Drug Free Communities grant and is sponsored by the Heart and Hand in Philippi, West Virginia.