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New program tackles behavioral issues to reduce future crime and violence in school

Posted at 1:33 PM, Aug 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-20 16:33:16-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Stopping aggressive behavior before it starts is one of the many goals for schools within the San Ysidro School District.

The San Ysidro School District partnered up with the District Attorney’s office to teach staff members restorative practices in school. These practices help students deal with their emotions and understand their behaviors.

Kids take a few minutes a day to express how they feel and address different topics like who they trust and why. This practice is a way to swap punishment and instead provide support in hopes of reducing crime, bullying, and violence.

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“This is giving these students an opportunity to be more successful because when emotions get involved and you don’t know why you have them, and you don’t know how to deal with them that’s when a lot of students get in trouble,” said Manuela Colom-Ramirez.

The District Attorney’s office and the and the San Ysidro School District hope this program provides an action plan guideline for students, staff, and parents.

“It’s all under the philosophy that when you are doing with, rather than to, you are going to get more inspired kids, you are going to get more inspired youth, and we are able to build a more sustainable community,” said Khemal Johnson.