Some students at Whittier Elementary School have been making the most of their lunch break by participating in ROX, an evidence-based, 20-week empowerment group that focuses on equipping fifth grade girls with knowledge and skills necessary to live healthy, independent, productive and violence-free lives. Led by school counselor Alisha Porter, participants are concentrating on team building, healthy communication, dealing with bullying and “girl drama,” forming healthy relationships, navigating social media, body image, support systems, and leadership. Most recently, they learned to use their voice and practice some basic self-defense moves.