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I noticed a lot of changes in several of the kids in my son's class since the start of the school year and now I know why.
A student admitted yesterday that he, his brother, and his father were in the South Side gang. He has taught all the boys in the class the hand sign, the tag, what their "weapon of choice" is as well as some very colorful language.
My son doesn't swear in the home anymore (except for the words he is "allowed" to say") but can't understand why its not right to make the hand signs to his friends. He also was never taught about guns at home but knows how to draw an ak-47 and a 38 with great detail. I told him if he wants to learn how to shoot he has to wait till 12 and then I will take him to a shooting range where he can learn how to shoot a rifle.
His teacher had a 10 minute lesson on "why we don't join gangs" but that will not do any good. I talked to the gang task force and they do in school talks and are going to set one up for his class but he warned me NOT to tell my son because even at 7 and 8 years old these kids in this gang hurt other kids they think are snitches. Gangs do not belong in schools.
Any advice on how to get through to my son to leave these boys alone. They are not his friends no matter what they tell him. He has a big heart and is quite gullible.
I have a 2nd grader and this is completely foreign to me. If this is going on in the 2nd grade, I can only imagine how bad it is by 6th or 7th grade. Is it only one kid that is the problem? Does the school know about all of this?
I have a 2nd grader and this is completely foreign to me. If this is going on in the 2nd grade, I can only imagine how bad it is by 6th or 7th grade. Is it only one kid that is the problem? Does the school know about all of this?
The school knows...that's why they implemented a uniform policy. He's recruited at least one other kid that I know of. They have a larger problem in junior high (hence the new uniform policy last year). By the time they reach high school they are fully immersed in the gang that no one really tells them not to wear their colors in school. We have gang fights in the local high school daily.
The school knows...that's why they implemented a uniform policy. He's recruited at least one other kid that I know of. They have a larger problem in junior high (hence the new uniform policy last year). By the time they reach high school they are fully immersed in the gang that no one really tells them not to wear their colors in school. We have gang fights in the local high school daily.
I know enough to know that once you are in, it is nearly impossible to get out. If I thought my son was truly at risk, I might consider changing schools or moving. I don't know. Some might say that is just running away from the problem, not solving it.
I have (2) 2nd graders and this is insane!
Can you have your son moved into another class?
I would do whatever it took to get between my 2nd grader and gangs, period. Whatever it takes. The easiest would be a different classroom. I would also suggest to the school that the Gang pushing student be expelled/suspended or something. If that fails, I would look for another school... or another town, state.. whatever it takes.. I would not leave my 2nd grader alone to deal with those situations and simply hope he makes the right decision.. no way.. get in between your child and gangs.. PERIOD at any cost!
First choice...enroll him in private school and put him in so many activities he quickly loses contact with any of these "friends".
Second choice...move.
I honestly don't see a way around this if it is such a prevalent issue in your community. You can do your best to keep your son out, but it seems he is already being dragged in.
I have (2) 2nd graders and this is insane!
Can you have your son moved into another class?
I would do whatever it took to get between my 2nd grader and gangs, period. Whatever it takes. The easiest would be a different classroom. I would also suggest to the school that the Gang pushing student be expelled/suspended or something. If that fails, I would look for another school... or another town, state.. whatever it takes.. I would not leave my 2nd grader alone to deal with those situations and simply hope he makes the right decision.. no way.. get in between your child and gangs.. PERIOD at any cost!
I'm glad you said this. I was second guessing my post, but this is what I was thinking - keep him away at all cost.
He also was never taught about guns at home but knows how to draw an ak-47 and a 38 with great detail.
Where did he learn about those weapons? Hanging out at his friends' house? Has he seen them? Is he at someone's house where they're showing off 38s and automatic weapons?
If you even THINK he's around those guns long enough to learn what they look like enough to make a detailed drawing why are you letting him anywhere near those kids?
My kid came home and started drawing an AK-47 I'd let him have ZERO contact with his "friends". The safety issue alone is giving me the hives.
This is crazy! 2nd grade recruitment into gangs? If this were happening to my child I would do....
A. Move
B. Change schools
C. Home School
D. Both A & B
I would not feel comfortable sending my child to school when this kind of thing is going on.
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I have a 2nd grader and this is completely foreign to me. If this is going on in the 2nd grade, I can only imagine how bad it is by 6th or 7th grade. Is it only one kid that is the problem? Does the school know about all of this?
