Kids’ sports program tackles behavior, citizenship

By DENISE DICK

denise_dick@vindy.com

youngstowN

A Mahoning County Juvenile Court program teaches schoolchildren about manners, respect and good citizenship.

The Intensive In-School Sports Program started this year, and so far, about 50 city schools students have graduated.

Deniro McRae, 12, a fifth-grader at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, said he’s learned to “be active, to try to work things out with one another and don’t fight.”

When a lady walks into a room, you should stand up and say hello, Deniro said.

Kevin M. Jackson, sports program director at the juvenile court, told a group of about 15 boys that even though the program is over, he and assistant Jason Ludban would continue to check on them.

“If you need us, you’re still a part of ISP,” Jackson said. “It’s about treating each other like family.”

He said the program is free to any Mahoning County school that needs it and was started in the city schools because that’s where they initially saw a need.

“Sports is my hook,” Jackson said. “That’s how I get them in.”

The six-week program includes mentoring and positive behavior instruction followed by a sports session such as basketball, kick ball or any sport offered through the juvenile court sports program.

A popular myth is that the juvenile court’s sports program is only for kids in the court system. Any students can be involved. Judge Theresa Dellick of juvenile court was excited about the program as a way to help young people, Jackson said.

“We teach responsibility, respect and being a good citizen,” he said.

Some students may not have contact with their father or other male role model, Jackson said. The program offers that, too.

Margo Kondela, a guidance counselor at MLK, said she’s seen a difference in the students since the start of the program. A session with another group of students starts Feb. 7.

In an e-mail to Judge Dellick, Kondela wrote about one teacher’s surprise when she walked into her classroom and the students stood up and greeted her with “Good morning.”

“To some, this may not seem particularly important, but for young boys who may otherwise lack a positive male presence, this is an enormous accomplishment.” Kondela wrote.