Gangs
At the principal's discretion, staff members may use the following techniques to discourage the influence of gangs:
- Any student wearing or carrying overt gang paraphernalia or making gestures that symbolize gang members will be referred to the principal or his designee. The student's parents/guardian will be contacted and the student sent home to change clothes if necessary.
- Any gang graffiti on school premises will be quietly removed, washed down or painted over as soon as discovered.
- Daily checks for graffiti will be made throughout the campus, including restroom walls and doors.
- Graffiti will be photographed before it is removed. These photographs will be shared with local law enforcement authorities and used in future disciplinary or criminal action against the offenders.
- Classroom and after-school programs at each school will be designed to enhance individual self-esteem, provide positive reinforcement for acceptable behavior and foster interest in a variety of wholesome activities.
- Staff members will actively promote membership in authorized student organizations which can provide students companionship, safety and a sense of purpose and belonging.
- Explain the dangers of gang membership;
- Include lessons or role-playing workshops in non-violent conflict resolution and gang avoidance skills;
- Promote constructive activities available in the community;
- Involve students in structured, goal-oriented community service projects;
- Encourage positive school behavior.
- Dangers of gang membership;
- The nature of local gang apparel and graffiti;
- Ways to deal effectively with one's children;
- Warning signs which may indicate that children are at risk of becoming involved with gangs.
- The scope and nature of local gang problems;
- Ways that each segment of the community can help to alleviate these problems.
- Staff members will be provided with the names of known gang members.
- Insofar as possible, classroom teachers will assign individual gang-oriented students to cooperative learning groups in which they may work toward common goals with students who are not members of their gang.
- Students who seek help in rejecting gang associations may be referred to community-based gang suppression and prevention organizations.