DIXFIELD — After-school programs for several schools in Western Foothills Regional School Unit 10 bring some new activities aimed at broadening student knowledge and growth.

Barbara Radmore, new director of the 21st Century federally-funded grant program, said her goal is to involve community members in the student enrichment program.

“We want to involve the community on a deeper level and to enrich the lives of students and parents,” she said. “If there’s something they want to share with the kids, for a week, once a week, for one time, we want to know.”

RSU 10’s after-school program runs from Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. when school is in session. Seventh- and eighth-graders from Buckfield Junior/Senior High School, and children from Dirigo Middle School, and Rumford and Meroby elementary schools are eligible to take part in the low-cost program.

Radmore said the charge is based on a sliding scale, and no child who wants to take part will be denied if the family is unable to pay the daily fee. A number of scholarships are available for such situations, she said.

The after-school program provides tutoring for those who want and need it, a snack, and some kind of physical activity.

New this year are mentoring programs for both boys and girls.

At Mountain Valley High School, several students have signed up for a half-credit course, informally known as Mentoring 101, where fourth- and fifth-graders come to the high school each Wednesday to get the usual snack and academic help, along with activities led by the older students.

Now, youngsters are learning leaf identification from the high school students.

At Dirigo Middle School, a program is about to begin that links area women with middle school-aged girls through shared reading. Radmore would like a male adult to lead a boys’ mentoring program at the school, as well.

She eventually wants to get the students out into the community and for more community members to come into the school.

She is looking for people who want to share their skills and hobbies such as knitting, canning, cooking, crafting and others, and teach a course. The resulting products would go to a nonprofit.

This is the third year of a five-year grant for the after-school program.

Similar activities and tutoring are also offered to Hartford-Sumner Elementary School students.

Anyone from the River Valley area who wants to volunteer a talent to benefit the children in the Mountain Valley and Dirigo regions may contact Radmore at 357-6987. To volunteer in the Nezinscot region, call 336-2151.

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