Guns In Grade School—

Learning How To Prevent Violence

By Tanjua Damon

Fifteen Newtown Middle School eighth graders stood up and faced their peers to show how many youths are affected each day by gun violence. The students took part in a pilot program called Cops & Docs.

The Cops & Docs program educated students about the dangers of guns and the importance of informing an adult when they know that a potentially dangerous situation could occur.

School Resource Officer Gladys Pisani as well as nurses Barbara Reilly and Joyce LaForte have been introducing the program to eighth grade students in the middle school and hope to continue the program next year.

The facilitators of the program provided real-life scenarios for the students, showing them graphic pictures of what happens when a gun goes off and someone is shot. 

“It takes just one student or just one adult to prevent a tragedy,” Officer Pisani said. “You have to watch your words and watch what you are saying.”

Communication is the key when dealing with gun violence. The facilitators hope that students will understand that they are not tattling, but helping to prevent a dangerous situation by informing others.

“Tattling is when you tell something to get them in trouble,” Mrs Reilly said. “Telling is so you can get them help.”

The eighth graders came up with a list of why they might not feel comfortable telling. The listed includes the ideas that they do not want their friends to be mad; they feel threatened; do not want to get friends in trouble; do not care; blackmail; involved; secrets; or that they think the person is joking.

“This is a good chance for the adults to take over,” Mrs Reilly said. “It’s too heavy for you to deal with. Give it to an adult. You may be the only one who can help. Take every threat seriously.”

The Cops & Docs program started in Washington State to provide an alternative violence prevention program given by police and medical professionals in order to give students tools to protect themselves and their friends.

As part of the demonstration, student Dave Marcucilli was planted in the audience with a gun and knife. Officer Pisani arrested him and showed the students what can happen if they are caught with weapons. She told them there is a lot to lose by being involved with guns and other weapons.

Many of the students said they were moved by the graphic photos of what can happen when someone is shot.

“It was pretty good telling people what types of injuries they could get if they are shot,” Robert Raino said. “I didn’t think a gun shot could do so much damage.”

The facilitators hope the students leave the program with a better understanding of gun violence and that notifying an adult is not a bad thing, but an important step in helping to prevent a dangerous situation.