anger and prevent violence and gang activities in a series of workshops. Sarah Fuhrtz finds that many of the students are benefitting, but a few, including some of those who most need help, are not hearing the message.

Students at Dellwood Middle School are learning to slam the brakes on violence.

A Violence Prevention Workshop held last week was designed to teach students how to stay away from fights, learn street smarts, manage anger and resist gang pressures.

Early in the morning, all M1 students were divided into five groups and rotated to each of five half-an-hour workshops.

The school also plans to hold such anti-violence activities for students in the M2 and S2 classes later in the academic year.

During the "How to Stay Away from Fights'' seminar, led by teacher Lisa Clarke, students were reminded that all actions cause reactions and negative reactions can have severe consequences.

"You must use non-violent problem solving skills to avoid conflict,'' Ms Clarke said before asking the class how they can avoid such encounters.

The suggestions she received included, not spreading rumours, watching body language, not gossiping, not lying and talking with peer mediators.

The second workshop, "How to be Street Smart'', took place in the classroom of teacher Sharon Smith.

Mrs. Smith advised the children not to flash money or go to public restrooms alone.

"I know of a young grocery packer who had all of his money stolen by a man who had been watching him all day,'' she said. "And I know of a woman and her child who went to a public bathroom and while her daughter was in there, a man attacked her.

"These are very dangerous situations and if you're street smart, you will know how to avoid them.'' Mrs. Smith added that securing reliable transportation and/or escort service at night, avoiding shortcuts, and staying away from strangers were also ways of preventing danger.

In a workshop led by teacher Tina Christopher, entitled "Anger Management'', the students were advised on ways to deal with frustrating situations.

When asked about what makes them angry, the students replied being at the receiving end of teasing, gossiping, lying, hitting and insults about their mothers.

"You can get rid of your anger by counting to ten and walking away,'' Miss Christopher suggested. "You can jump up and down or beat up a pillow instead of a person. You can cry, sing, exercise, talk it out with somebody or write it down.'' "But don't always keep it to yourself,'' she warned. "Hidden anger can cause harmful changes to your body like headaches, depression and lack of sleep.'' During the "Pressures to Join a Gang'' and "How to Stay Away from Gangs'' seminars, headed by teachers Marie Franklin and Shannon James, students were warned not to associate themselves with troublemakers.

"Gang members will tell you that their gang is cool, but don't let that fool you,'' Mrs. Franklin said. "New members are swayed by the excitement, protection and fun of being in a gang, but that is not the whole story.

"The meaning of a gang is a group of people involved in dangerous and illegal actions. It is up to you to make the right choices now so you know how to avoid these situations.'' Mr. James told the students they were most important and valuable people in the world.

However, whether or not the message of these workshops got through to the students was questionable.

Although many of them were attentive and offered meaningful suggestions during the workshops, there were some who did not seem to be listening.

These were the children who called each other names and fought during and between seminars, and at most times in full view of the teachers.

"I am from the East Side crew and I will break you boy,'' yelled one youngster to another as he motioned a gang sign with his hand.

Although this threat was contrary to the messages of the day, no-one chose to step in.

The bully walked away with his head held high while the other boy left alone -- staring at his feet.