NO violence is G.R.E.A.T.
Starting in January of 2009, the Lake Park Police Department will begin teaching the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education And Training) program to the sixth grade class at Harris-Lake Park. The G.R.E.A.T. program is a violence prevention curriculum that teaches students important skills to help avoid gangs, violence, drug abuse and crime. The purpose of G.R.E.A.T. is to help students develop beliefs and practice behaviors that will help them avoid destructive habits. During the G.R.E.A.T. lessons, students will be working closely with their G.R.E.A.T. officer, who serves as a mentor and positive role model for the class. Some of the things the students will be learning in G.R.E.A.T. include:
- The truth about gangs and violence
- Students' roles in their families, schools and communities
- Identifying realistic goals and how to reach them
- How to make good decisions
- How to communicate well
- Developing empathy for others
- How to deal with peer pressure
- What to do when you feel angry
- How to resolve conflicts
Throughout the G.R.E.A.T. program, the students will have the opportunity to discuss ideas, practice skills they are learning, and reinforce important reading and writing skills.
You can help support the G.R.E.A.T. program by asking the students to share what they are learning. One of the reasons G.R.E.A.T. works so well is that it is a collaborative effort among the Police Department, the school and the community!
If you would like more information about the G.R.E.A.T. program, please visit their website at www.great-online.org.