RJH Students Learn Life Skills

RJH Social Worker Leah Gusman shares anger management
skills with students.

RJH Principal Shalonda Randle and Riverdale Police
Commander Glenn Williams discuss the definitions
of leaders and followers.

For a second consecutive year, Roosevelt Junior High School staff and community members are helping to teach seventh grade students some valuable life lessons.
The Life Skills teachings began in September and will continue through the end of October. The program is offered four days a week during the seventh grade advisory period.
Lessons have included instruction on what it takes to be a leader, how to manage anger, how to avert potential conflicts, and the importance of being respectful of others.

Principal Shalonda Randle said she has always wanted to provide sessions like these to help acclimate students to junior high and prepare them for high school.
During the second and fourth quarters of the school year, seventh-graders will learn library and computer skills. Preparations for the Illinois Standards Achievement Test will take place during the third quarter.

Malaika Berry, the junior high’s Reading and Math Success (RAMS) facilitator, has spoken with students about the importance of a positive attitude, good character, and treating others well.
“Clothes,” Berry said, “do not make an individual. It’s about who we are on the inside.”

RJH Safety Facilitator Todd Parker has been addressing the issue of bullying and ways students can best resolve conflicts they may have with their peers.
Leah Gusman, social worker at the junior high, talks with students about anger management. She shares skills for handling confrontations that include staying calm, listening, saying something positive, and proposing a compromise.

Randle and Riverdale Police Commander Glenn Williams discussed with students the definitions of leaders and followers.
“Leaders are followers of what is true, what is fair, and what is right,” was one explanation.
Students were also advised to follow someone who will lead them in a good direction.
Williams, who years ago worked as a school liaison at RJH, also reminded students there are rewards for individuals who do the right things and consequences for those who do wrong.

Randle said the Riverdale Police Department’s involvement in the program helps students get a different perspective of the role of police and helps them build positive relationships.
The majority, more than 80 percent, of Roosevelt Junior High School’s student population resides in Riverdale.

Malaika Berry, RJH Reading and Math Success facilitator,
talks about the importance of having a positive attitude,
good character, and to treat others well.

RJH Safety Facilitator Todd Parker discusses bullying and ways
students can best resolve conflicts with their peers.