The ReLAY program is designed to help students increase self esteem, learn life management skills, improve educational commitment, practice important study skills, develop social interaction skills and gain positive adult relationsips. Tuesdays and Thursdays students use time to do homework and on Wednesdays students participate in an asset building group activity.

ReLAY Highlights

ReLAY means Responsible Leadership and Action for Youth. Since the start of our program the students have participated in many asset building activities. Assets are values, skills, and positive self perceptions that all people need to be healthy and successful.

Students worked together in groups for a rhythm based activity inspired by the music group STOMP. STOMP is a group of musicians who take every day objects and use them as instruments to make music. Our students planned out a song using found objects making beats by tapping in rhythm with each other. Each group performed for everyone in the program. they had to really listen to each other and practice in order to make music.

Students also participated in a group discussion on the media and advertising. They chose advertisements out of magazines and talked about what different companies were trying to sell them through selected imagery. In the group discussion we talked about the negative effects of alcohol and drugs. We want our students to be aware of advertisers trying to sell them products that are harmful.

It is important for students to learn to work together and communicate in a positive way in order to function successfully in society. These activities give the kids practice in communicating effectively and managing emotions and behavior.