Students learn life lessons
Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/News/61201/
The 308 fifth-graders at Old High Middle School are attending a different type of class this year by participating in the Gang Resistance Education and Training program.
According to the G. R. E. A. T. Web site, the goal of the school-based program is to aid in the prevention of delinquency, youth violence and gang membership.
Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies Doug Gay and Paul Newell began teaching the six-week course a few weeks ago. Gay and Newell attended a two-week seminar to become certified instructors to teach the program.
Gay learned about the program while calling police departments in cities that are confronted with gang issues. “ They each said one thing, ” Gay said. “ They wish they had done something earlier to reach out to the kids. ”
According to Gay, the program is offered in schools in all 50 states, and it has been taught to more than 2. 5 million students.
“ Gangs will still reach out for our children, so we cannot ignore it, ” Gay said.
Gay said the program focuses on more than gang issues, though.
“ It’s about life lessons, ” Gay said. “ It gives the kids tools to cope with the everyday pressure of going to school. ”
The first two lessons dealt with bullying and decision-making skills. Last week, students learned communication skills. Upcoming lessons will include coping with anger and respecting each other.
After each lesson, students sign a promise that reads, “ I promise to be a G. R. E. A. T. citizen, avoid gangs and not participate in violence. ”
The students will also participate in the program as sixth-graders when deputies instruct them in the middle-school program. Gay said the program provides more information about gangs than the elementary-school program does.
The BCSO will teach the elementary program to another class of fifth-graders during the upcoming school year, Gay said.
Old High Principal Marilyn Gilchrist volunteered her school to take part in the program, Gay said. Old High is the only school in northwest Arkansas that offers its students the anti-gang program, Gay said.
Gilchrist said teachers have told her they have seen a difference in some students’ behavior.
“ They have noticed them being more respectful of each other, which is always wonderful, ” Gilchrist said.
She said the school doesn’t have any problems with gang activity or behavior, but she believes the program is an additional tool to help students cope with negative influences.
We just want to provide them with the necessary tools and information to make wise decisions. It’s all about making good choices, ” Gilchrist said.
Gay said two more deputies will attend training this summer to become certified instructors. Gay and Newell will also attend a training session to become certified instructors to teach the family program.
Circuit Judge Jay Finch has already written a letter of intent stating that the family component will become part of his sentencing in juvenile court, Gay said.
The Sheriff’s Office has also applied for a grant to support an afterschool program.
Lt. Mike Johnson, public information officer for the Rogers Police Department, said the department is interested in the program and may send officers to the training session.
Gay hopes the BCSO will be able to offer the program at other schools — especially in smaller cities.