BUTLER TWP — Girls on the Run, a program designed to educate young girls on developing self-respect and healthy living, is returning to the Butler Area School District in an expanded form.

The program was offered last year in one elementary school, but is available to any girl in the district in grades 3-5 this year.

A similar program, entitled Girls on the Track, is available to sixth graders.

"We will have pamphlets detailing the program available in every elementary school in the district by Wednesday," said Charlotte Kelly, a Butler High School teacher and one of the program's coordinators.

"Girls on the Run made a noticeable didfference in some of our participants last year and we're happy to be bringing it back."

Fellow high school teacher Alicia Warner and Butler girls track and field coach Annessa Schnur are also helping with this year's program.

Kelly emphasized that Girls on the Run is not about track and field or athletics in general.

"It's about helping young girls improve their self-esteem," she said.

Girls on the Run and Girls on the Track sessions will run from 5:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday from March 1 through May 21. Sessions will be held at the Butler Intermediate High School.

Girls will be accepted into the program on a first-come, first-served basis. Only 15 spots are available for Girls on the Run, with another 15 available for Girls on the Track.