REGION Program aims to start caring habits in kids

The program is designed to teach children good habits and reduce disruptive behavior in school.
YOUNGSTOWN -- In an effort to bring back close-knit families, neighborhoods, schools and work sites, local Old Country Buffet Restaurants have joined forces with Caring Habit of the Month Adventure to foster a daily practice of positive behaviors among children.
"At Old Country Buffet we believe we can improve our communities by improving our own lives and our relationships," said Donna Fiorentini, the company's community representative. "The outreach of a program like this is phenomenal. Reinforcement of positive behaviors strengthens the day-to-day school program and encourages work-force skill development that the next generation will need."
The partnership kicks off with Caring Habit Night from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at restaurants in Niles and Boardman and also in Bridgeville, Butler, Greenburg, North Fayette and Pleasant Hills, Pa.
During the kickoff event, and future Caring Habit Nights, Caring Habit School pupils will receive a free children's meal when accompanied by a paying adult.
The Caring Habit of the Month Adventure Program system of colorful "action" messages is designed to reduce disruptive behaviors and improve the social climate in schools, said Connie Kovolenko, outreach director.
During school year
During the year, pupils and teachers work together to learn one caring habit each month.
More than 7,000 pupils in three Pennsylvania counties, the cities of Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, and in Ohio, are succeeding in a caring atmosphere nourished by The Caring Habit of the Month Adventure, Kovolenko added.
For more information on how to bring the Caring Habit of the Month Adventure to your school, contact Habit-tat for Youth & amp; Education at (724) 453-0447.