RUMFORD – The new River Valley Community Learning Center is set to open within the next couple of weeks.

The SAD 43 board on Monday appointed a half-dozen tutors and several activity providers for the new after-school and summer school program for elementary-aged students.

In August, the district received $135,000 a year for three years for the new program. An option for two additional years is also possible.

Gloria Jenkins, curriculum coordinator and writer of the grant, said several activities are already planned, including martial arts at the Greater Rumford Community Center, a Wellness Center activity and a dodge ball tournament.

She said information on the after-school program portion of the grant went home with students on Monday. A complete schedule of programs and activities should be in place within a few weeks.

“The whole project is coming together,” said Jenkins.

Sarah Coolidge, former coordinator of Oxford County NOW, a health-related grant program, is the director of the new program.

Also on Monday, the board approved the creation of a special education department chairman at Mountain Valley High School. They also approved paying a stipend to the adviser of the Kids on the Block program. This program deals with a variety of social and health issues through the use of puppets.

Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said the total for both stipends is just under $3,000.

Jenkins also announced that the new standards-based report card for high school students will be sent home next week.

The report card will include traditional grades and will provide an assessment showing how well a student does compared with what is expected on a variety of subjects and topics.