High school students learn many important things, but local groups are working together to make sure they learn “life skills.”

This is the third year for the Life Skills program to be offered at Chilton County High School. It is a joint venture with the Children’s Policy Council, SPAN program of Chilton County; the county’s Juvenile Probation Office and District Court Judge Rhonda Hardesty; CCHS Principal Cynthia Stewart and Alabama Family Resource Center in Clanton.

The Life Skills course is offered to about 180 freshmen at CCHS. The course encourages students to explore various topics such as bullying, anger, relationships or religion.

The program is also designed to give students information on how to lead positive lives, regardless of their backgrounds, and to avoid potholes such as behavioral problems and substance abuse.

“This is a way to be pre-emptive,” said Teal Dick, who leads the class. “I used to do this but after they were already in trouble. Also, I’m here in the event of a crisis. It allows me to be in the schools.”

Dick, Chilton County District Judge Rhonda Hardesty, CPC President Angie Mayfield and SPAN Director Amanda Hicks visited a class of freshmen on Jan. 8.

Hardesty told the students that the day before, 40 local families were before her in court. She said she wants to help them in any way she can.

“If there are any issues going on at home, we want you to talk to Mr. Teal. We don’t want you to have to come to court,” she said.

Mayfield also pointed to her experience in helping children and families during difficult times.

“Anything we can do to help, to keep kids in school, is what we’re trying to do,” she said.