Secret Societies/Gang Activity

Gangs

For purposes of this policy, a “gang” is any group of three or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts or acts in violation of disciplinary rules of the Lake County School District.

At the principal’s discretion, staff members may use the following techniques to discourage the influence of gangs:

1. 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.

2. Any gang graffiti on school premises will be quietly removed, washed down or painted over as soon as discovered.

1. Daily checks for graffiti will be made throughout the campus, including restroom walls and doors.

2. Gang 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.

3. 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.

4. Staff members will actively promote membership in authorized student organizations which can provide students companionship, safety and a sense of purpose and belonging.

Gang prevention education

Gang prevention instruction offered in the schools will:

1. Explain the dangers of gang membership.

2. Include lessons or role-playing workshops in nonviolent conflict resolution and gang avoidance skills.

3. Promote constructive activities available in the community.

4. Involve students in structured, goal-oriented community service projects.

5. Encourage positive school behavior.

Gang prevention lessons may be taught jointly by teachers and law enforcement officers.

Community outreach

Gang prevention classes or counseling offered for parents/guardians will address the following topics:

1. Dangers of gang membership.

2. The nature of local gang apparel and graffiti.

3. Ways to deal effectively with one’s children.

4. Warning signs which may indicate that children are at risk of becoming involved with gangs.

Community programs offered for staff, parents/guardians, churches, city officials, business leaders and the media will address:

1. The scope and nature of local gang problems.

2. Ways that each segment of the community can help to alleviate these problems.

Intervention measures

Staff members will make every effort to assimilate gang-oriented students into the academic, extracurricular and social mainstream and into work experience programs. To this end:

1. Staff members will be provided with the names of known gang members.

2. 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.

3. Students who seek help in rejecting gang associations may be referred to community-based gang suppression and prevention organizations.

Adopted:  August 2000

Reviewed:  September 2020

Lake County School District R-1, Leadville, Colorado

Policy Code

JICF_R