Parents are the first lines of defense in combating the gang problem. It is up the each parent to sh

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http//www.gangsorus.com/parents.html

• Parents are the first lines of defense in
  combating the gang problem. It is up the each
  parent to show the child that they are loved. It
  is not enough to simply say, "I love you." The
  child needs parental interaction to show him or
  her that you really do love him and you care
  about his welfare. Youths join gangs for a
  variety of reasons.
• Many join because they do not have, or do not
  feel like they have a family life. A gang
  promises to give this feeling of "family" to the
  youth. Other youths join gangs due to peer
  pressure, fear, excitement, drugs,money, or
  intimidation.
• Whatever the reason, a parent needs to recognize
  the identifiers and telltale signs of gang
  membership in order to make every possible
  attempt to keep the youth in, or return him to,
  his "real family."
• Educators are equally important in shaping a
  child's life. Like the parents, an educator must
  show the child that they not only care about them
  as individuals, but also, about the future that
  lies ahead of each of them.
• Schools should not allow gang clothing, colors,
  or gang signs and symbols to be worn or displayed
  on school grounds. "Zero tolerance" is a policy
  adopted by many school districts.
• It is time for America to reclaim it's kids. It's
  time for all of society, parents, teachers, and
  communities to say enough is enough. It's time
  for everyone to learn about gangs and how to
  recognize them.

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Who Wants To Feel AND Be Safe At PAE And Town?
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What is a gang?

• The New Jersey Criminal Code defines a Street
  Gang as 1. three or more people who have a
  common
• group name,
• 2. identifying sign,
• 3. tattoos or other signs of association and
• 4. who have engaged in criminal offenses
  while
• engaged in gang related activity
• (N.J.S.A.
  2C44-3h).

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.4 Engaged in criminal offenseswhile engaged
in gang activity

• Examples
• Graffiti
• Harassment/bullying of others
• Stealing
• Destruction of property
• Fighting/beating
• Anything else against the law

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Signs someone may be in a gang

• 1. Colors May show subtle or obvious choice of
  color
• in clothing or
  accessories.
• 2. Graffiti Unusual signs, symbols, alphabets
  or
• nicknames on notebooks,
  papers, clothing,
• hands/arms, books, etc.
• 3. Tattoos Symbols or names tattooed on arms,
  chest or
• elsewhere on body.
• 4. Language Use of uncommon terms, words,
  names or phrases.
• 5. Hand signs Unusual ways of signaling or
  greeting each other.
• 6. Initiations Suspicious or otherwise
  unexplained bruises, wounds,
• burns, or injuries
  may be a result of gang initiation
• ceremonies.

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Continued Signs someone may be in a gang

• 7. Behavior Change Sudden mood or behavior
  changes, drop in
• grades,
  secretiveness, change in friends, truancy.
• 8. Right/Left Rule Apparel worn in a
  specific manner, either right or
• left, to
  show gang affiliation. Examples glove worn
• on one
  hand, pocket hanging out on one side, pant
• leg cuffed
  or pulled up on one leg, bill of hat to one
• side, etc.
• 9. Jewelry Friendship beads in gang colors
  pendants, rings and pins
• that display gang
  symbols (like the Star of David) a lot of
• gold chains.

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Continued Signs someone is in a gang

• 10. Clothing Jogging suits in gang colors
  pro-team clothing items
• and hats hood of
  sweatshirt out over jacket to show
• colors hats tilted to one direction a
  particular brand
• of clothing or shoes.
• 11. Hairstyles/fingernails Designs cut into
  hair colored
• beads/barrettes colored streaks on side of
  head pony
• tail/braids with colored rubber bands picks
  or combs in
• bead or hair (front or back/left or right. 
  Nails 2 nails
• with gang colors on left or right hand, nail
  on pinky
• finger left long. 
• 12. Gang look Posture, walk, stance dress in
  colors/styles/symbols.
• 13. Milling gathering/hanging out, especially
  where there is an audience.

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Why Talk About This?

• There have been some possible signs
• recently of students creating their own
• groups, clicks, or gangs.
• The police met with me to share recent
• gang type activity in our town.
• I have NEVER heard of any gang formed
• for good purposes.

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What Steps Will PAE Take?

• Meet with students to share expectations.
• 2. If any of the shared possible signs are
• observed in school they will be referred to
• the office to begin the following process
• -Mr. Jerabek will talk with the referred student
• -Home will be contacted
• -Possible suspension out of school
• -If a student is found to be involved in gang
  activity, the information may be shared with the
  police.

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What Should You Do If You Think Or Know Someone
Is In A Gang (including you and want help)?

• Privately talk with your teacher, guidance
  counselor, or principal
• Drop an anonymous note in the front office
  suggestion box
• Talk with someone at home
• Do not get involved!
• All tips will be kept COMPLETELY
• confidential

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Gangs of any kind will NOT be Tolerated in PAE!
Because We Care!
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What Can Parents Do?

• Know your children's friends.
• Know about who and what influences your kids.
• Know what your children are doing at all times.
• Become involved with them and occupy their time.
• Strive for good communication between you and
  your youngsters.
• Again, spend time with them.
• Do not allow gang dress.
• Do not allow hanging in the streets or mall.
• Be very suspicious of gang writing, graffiti, or
  tattoos.
• Encourage anti-gang attitudes at home.
• Learn about gangs and drugs.
• Participate in your child's educationfind out
  what's happening at school.
• Get involved in community affairs.
• Set the example for your kidsthey will do what
  you do.

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• What are some parental strategies to combat
  gangs?
• More recreational and leisure-time activities for
  youngsters
• A crack-down and tougher law enforcement against
  gang activities in the community
• Stepped-up efforts to dry up the chief source of
  gang moneyDRUGS
• Increased parental supervision of children, their
  activities, and their friends
• Collaborative efforts between police, community
  residents, and young people