Did you know we have gangs in schools? Well, we do; and this is a bigger problem than you think. My son was brainwashed into a gang when he was in the 8th grade. I knew nothing about this until this past summer when he was entering the 11th grade. Like any confused Mother I put this in the back of my mind, because I didn't want to believe it. Well, about a month ago I received a call from my son at school, who attended MGM High School. He told me that there was a gang fight right after school, and he was involved. He also told me that he was scared that something else was going to happen, and I needed to hurry up and get to him. I immediately left work to go get him from school. When he got into the car he proceeded to tell me what happened, and told me that this "gang war" was just beginning. He even showed me several pages of gang signs and sayings about another gang in his school. He called it "gang knowledge". These pages talked about everything from violence to King David. I immediately pulled him out of MGM. This might sound like a mistake to some people, but I was just protecting my son. He now thinks that it was a mistake to leave school, and wants to go back. I want him to go back. It would make me so happy to see my son walk down the aisle to receive his diploma. But at the same time I want him to be safe along with all kids that attend MGM; so I knew that I needed to do something. I made an appointment with the Mobile County School Board. I spoke with a man (I will not tell you his name for confidentiality reasons) who seemed very concerned about this problem. I showed him the pages of "gang knowledge" that my son showed me. I even had 2 students that attend MGM with me (with their parents permission, of course). This man immediately called security for the School Board. The person in security that he was trying to reach was out of town; so this man said that he would call me back the next day so I could show these "gang knowledge"' papers to security. Well, the next day I waited for his call, and never got it. When I got off work I called this man and left a message with his secretary. The next day this man called me back. He told me that he spoke with security, and that security would be there more than they already were. Well, I am not satisfied with this result, and I want something done about protecting our children at MGM, and even Semmes Middle School. If you have been following me you will remember that my son joined this gang in the 8th grade; which means that this starts in middle school. I want metal detectors put in ALL schools!! This is the only way that our children will be protected. Think about it; these kids can bring guns and knives into the schools now without anybody knowing about it. And, what we need to realize as parents and adults, is that this is a dangerous situation. No matter where you are in the United States gangs exist; and they're violent and dangerous. So please people, help me out. Help me protect our children, and get the security we need in ALL schools.

We wouldn't have to worry about gangs if parents did a better job of raising their children. There are too many parents who just let their children do what they want, and say what they want. They are not involved enough in their children's lives. Are their any parents who are proud their child is in a gang? I would like to think not. We had gangs in my school and it was always the same kids in them that disrespected teachers, administration, and even just "rules in general". They felt like they didn't have to do what anyone says (adult wise) so, in my eyes, this all falls back on poor parenting.

marysue - 12 December 2007 09:38 AM

Did you know we have gangs in schools? Well, we do; and this is a bigger problem than you think. My son was brainwashed into a gang when he was in the 8th grade. I knew nothing about this until this past summer when he was entering the 11th grade. Like any confused Mother I put this in the back of my mind, because I didn't want to believe it. Well, about a month ago I received a call from my son at school, who attended MGM High School. He told me that there was a gang fight right after school, and he was involved. He also told me that he was scared that something else was going to happen, and I needed to hurry up and get to him. I immediately left work to go get him from school. When he got into the car he proceeded to tell me what happened, and told me that this "gang war" was just beginning. He even showed me several pages of gang signs and sayings about another gang in his school. He called it "gang knowledge". These pages talked about everything from violence to King David. I immediately pulled him out of MGM. This might sound like a mistake to some people, but I was just protecting my son. He now thinks that it was a mistake to leave school, and wants to go back. I want him to go back. It would make me so happy to see my son walk down the aisle to receive his diploma. But at the same time I want him to be safe along with all kids that attend MGM; so I knew that I needed to do something. I made an appointment with the Mobile County School Board. I spoke with a man (I will not tell you his name for confidentiality reasons) who seemed very concerned about this problem. I showed him the pages of "gang knowledge" that my son showed me. I even had 2 students that attend MGM with me (with their parents permission, of course). This man immediately called security for the School Board. The person in security that he was trying to reach was out of town; so this man said that he would call me back the next day so I could show these "gang knowledge"' papers to security. Well, the next day I waited for his call, and never got it. When I got off work I called this man and left a message with his secretary. The next day this man called me back. He told me that he spoke with security, and that security would be there more than they already were. Well, I am not satisfied with this result, and I want something done about protecting our children at MGM, and even Semmes Middle School. If you have been following me you will remember that my son joined this gang in the 8th grade; which means that this starts in middle school. I want metal detectors put in ALL schools!! This is the only way that our children will be protected. Think about it; these kids can bring guns and knives into the schools now without anybody knowing about it. And, what we need to realize as parents and adults, is that this is a dangerous situation. No matter where you are in the United States gangs exist; and they're violent and dangerous. So please people, help me out. Help me protect our children, and get the security we need in ALL schools.

This is definitely not a "poor parenting" case. I have been a single parent most of my childrens' lives. They have a "dead beet Dad" who has NEVER been involved in their lives. My son joined this gang because he was brainwashed into believing that he was going to be part of a family; something he has never had!! I have always been very involved in everything my children do. I can't help their so called "Dad" hasn't been there for them. I am doing the best I can with what I have!!!

That is the risk you take when you get involved with the public school system. My kids are grown and own their own but I never had to deal with this issue in private school. However, you get what you pay for. I highly recommend a well disciplined high school like Cottage Hill Christian Academy. They don't put up with anything including cursing, fighting, and etc. If a child is involved in such behaviors, they are immediately suspended or expelled from school. Like I say, you get what you pay for. A word of warning, there are several private high schools but only a couple worth your hard earned money. Be selective. I attended the largest private high school here in Mobile and I wouldn't recommend anyone sending their child there. That particular private school has everything in it that public schools do and the kids are taught drinking, partying, and doing drugs are O.K.

marysue - 12 December 2007 09:38 AM

Did you know we have gangs in schools? Well, we do; and this is a bigger problem than you think. My son was brainwashed into a gang when he was in the 8th grade. I knew nothing about this until this past summer when he was entering the 11th grade. Like any confused Mother I put this in the back of my mind, because I didn't want to believe it. Well, about a month ago I received a call from my son at school, who attended MGM High School. He told me that there was a gang fight right after school, and he was involved. He also told me that he was scared that something else was going to happen, and I needed to hurry up and get to him. I immediately left work to go get him from school. When he got into the car he proceeded to tell me what happened, and told me that this "gang war" was just beginning. He even showed me several pages of gang signs and sayings about another gang in his school. He called it "gang knowledge". These pages talked about everything from violence to King David. I immediately pulled him out of MGM. This might sound like a mistake to some people, but I was just protecting my son. He now thinks that it was a mistake to leave school, and wants to go back. I want him to go back. It would make me so happy to see my son walk down the aisle to receive his diploma. But at the same time I want him to be safe along with all kids that attend MGM; so I knew that I needed to do something. I made an appointment with the Mobile County School Board. I spoke with a man (I will not tell you his name for confidentiality reasons) who seemed very concerned about this problem. I showed him the pages of "gang knowledge" that my son showed me. I even had 2 students that attend MGM with me (with their parents permission, of course). This man immediately called security for the School Board. The person in security that he was trying to reach was out of town; so this man said that he would call me back the next day so I could show these "gang knowledge"' papers to security. Well, the next day I waited for his call, and never got it. When I got off work I called this man and left a message with his secretary. The next day this man called me back. He told me that he spoke with security, and that security would be there more than they already were. Well, I am not satisfied with this result, and I want something done about protecting our children at MGM, and even Semmes Middle School. If you have been following me you will remember that my son joined this gang in the 8th grade; which means that this starts in middle school. I want metal detectors put in ALL schools!! This is the only way that our children will be protected. Think about it; these kids can bring guns and knives into the schools now without anybody knowing about it. And, what we need to realize as parents and adults, is that this is a dangerous situation. No matter where you are in the United States gangs exist; and they're violent and dangerous. So please people, help me out. Help me protect our children, and get the security we need in ALL schools.

Have you spoken with the boys advisor or the Principal? There may be other things of which you are not aware about your son. It would be goofy to take off after a gang without help.