The high school has received more donations for its BLIND program and the teaching of the 40 Developmental Assets, which are part of the school's character education program.

The Rock Falls Optimist Club donated $500 and the Coloma Township donated $2,000, Assistant Principal Brody Rude said Wednesday.

The money will help send six students to the 40 Developmental Assets Conference in Cincinnati in November and pay for BLIND activities through out the year.

BLIND, which stands for Building Lasting Impressions that Never Die, helps students talk about issues including teen suicide, drug use, self-esteem, sexual relationships and dating.

The 40 Developmental Assets are aspects of a youngster's life, such as having an adult role model or being involved in a sport or club, that could help him or her be successful.

"We appreciate these generous contributions from these local groups," Rude said. "This is really taking off [and] students seem excited about it."

The school also received $750 from Exxon Mobil for technology. It will use the money to help pay for a tablet computer, a laptop that a teacher can walk around a classroom with, write notes and have them projected onto a screen.

The school has four tablet computers now.

This is the third year the school has received the grant from Exxon Mobil. The last two years it was $500.

Principal Ron McCord expressed his appreciation.

Every little bit helps, especially when you're talking about technology and trying to enhance instruction in the classroom."

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