At Kalama Elementary School, a special four-legged friend named Walter is making a significant difference in students’ lives. As mental health concerns rise among youth, this gentle basset hound provides comfort, reduces stress, and helps students navigate their emotional challenges.

Second graders at Jackson Elementary School are enhancing their writing skills through peer editing, guided by teacher Cherinitae Harris. The young students collaborate to refine their personal narratives before final drafts.

The Neighbors in Need drive has once again demonstrated the community’s generosity, surpassing $13,103 to support the YMCA of Southwest Washington in offering vital programs and services. Even though the fundraising deadline has passed, donations continue to make a meaningful impact.

Despite facing significant challenges, including the incarceration of a co-founder, the Bed-Stuy Aquarium’s organizers are pressing forward with plans to establish a permanent fish pond in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.

Mathnasium Learning Centers, an internationally known franchise with over 1,100 math learning centers, announces new 3-month courses designed to build foundational math skills for young learners and prepare high school students for the SAT® and ACT® exams.

In response to rising stress levels among educators, the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative has partnered with Bounceback to provide over 400 teachers and support staff with innovative digital resources for stress management. This initiative aims to foster resilience and promote professional sustainability within the teaching community of north central Kentucky.

As concerns over children’s screen time grow, parents and experts are exploring modern audio players like Yoto and Toniebox as screen-free alternatives to engage kids. While these devices offer benefits like fostering imagination and reducing exposure to screens, questions remain about their effectiveness in today’s digital age.

Twin Falls has brought storytelling outdoors with the unveiling of a new permanent StoryWalk at Thomsen Park. This innovative installation invites families to read a picture book displayed along a walking path, encouraging both literacy and physical activity. The library plans to update the StoryWalk monthly with seasonally themed books.

Retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Dave Nordel, who grew up on an Orland farm, shares leadership lessons drawn from his experiences in agriculture and the military. In his new book, “When The Cows Lie Down,” Nordel emphasizes the importance of noticing subtle signs and maintaining a positive attitude to lead effectively.

The Humboldt Light Opera Company is launching its Live Life Program on January 13, offering older adults a range of engaging classes to boost independence and stimulate the mind-body connection. With activities from singing to line dancing, HLOC invites seniors to join a community focused on wellness and creativity.

Aria Karayil, a 12-year-old from Danville who began baking with her mother during the pandemic, is now competing for a $25,000 prize on national television. Her journey from home baking to national acclaim showcases the extraordinary opportunities that can arise from newfound passions.

From life drawing sessions to live music and open mic nights, Longmont is buzzing with activities this week. Here’s a roundup of events you won’t want to miss.

A California mother of two shares how a decade of responsible cannabis use has enhanced her health, parenting, and overall well-being, challenging common perceptions about the drug. While experts caution against regular use, she advocates for mindful consumption geared toward wellness.

This Friday, Jurassic Quest transforms the Wisconsin State Fair Park Expo Center into a prehistoric wonderland with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and interactive activities for the whole family. Kids can ride, train, and dig for fossils alongside towering creatures, making for an unforgettable educational adventure.

A mother grapples with her 22-year-old daughter’s silence despite their efforts to heal past wounds. Should she persist or patiently wait? Expert advice offers a path forward.

Michael Cornell embraced the challenge of leading a troubled school district and, over a decade, transformed it into a thriving educational community. As he retires, Cornell reflects on overcoming adversity to restore stability and focus on students in Hamburg Schools.

In a significant move to reduce stigma and confusion, the Southwestern Mental Health Center has rebranded as ElevaCare after 65 years of service. The new identity marks the beginning of enhanced services and a renewed commitment to elevating individuals on their mental health journeys.

Brainerd welcomes the return of sunny skies after a spell of gloomy weather, but residents must brace for cold temperatures accompanying the clear conditions. Meanwhile, teachers are reminded to submit their students’ weather drawings to the *Brainerd Dispatch*.

The tragic case of 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow from Madison, Wisconsin, reveals how extremist online communities can radicalize vulnerable youth, leading to real-world violence. Investigations show her deep immersion in platforms that glorify school shootings and promote white supremacist ideologies.

East Tennessee State University honors seven distinguished alumni and friends with the 2024 Alumni Awards, recognizing their exceptional contributions to their professions and communities. From leaders in finance and medicine to pioneers in education and entrepreneurship, these individuals embody the spirit and values of ETSU.

Despite a national decline in religious vocations, a small group of young women in the U.S. is choosing to become Catholic nuns. Driven by faith and community, they navigate a path that blends traditional religious life with modern challenges.