Shootings such as at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas last week and threats aimed at other educational sites confirm that school can be a treacherous place. In many cases, school safety conjures up intervention. However, Dr. Robert Renteria said prevention is the key to safety, his publicist announced recently.
For many children, educators, and staff members alike, a school’s ability to keep them safe from violence consumes their thoughts.
“You know there is a problem when our children have to dodge bullets before they learn how to read,” said Dr. Renteria. “How many more kids have to die before we stop allowing unions, contracts, and paychecks, to get in the way?”
Next Fall students will develop new skills in academics. Many will need social emotional learning (SEL) tools to help conquer challenges inside and outside the classroom.
Dr. Renteria spoke about gang violence, drug use, bullying, and school shootings.
“We must teach kids and adults that gang-banging and violence is not a lifestyle but a death style. The ultimate weapon is not a loaded gun, but an educated mind, he said. “United we stand and divided we fall. It is time for us to come together not as blue states or red states, but rather as the United States of America, one Nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”
Renteria said the From the Barrio to the Boardroom teaching tools helps communities provide an anti-violent initiative and education. He said they are culturally relevant and were designed to rehumanize kids who are walking around in a culture of darkness.
For more information, including how to participate in collaborative partnerships with Dr. Renteria, please call 312-933-5619, or visit www.fromthebarrio.com.
Dr. Robert Renteria is a professional speaker, international trainer, and the spokesman for From the Barrio Foundation, a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization based in North Aurora, Ill.. He is a U.S. army veteran. During his seven-plus-year career, Dr. Renteria served in many capacities and leadership roles. He was an elite soldier, former paratrooper, and non-commissioned officer. In Nuremberg, Germany he served in tactical operations. While deployed in Fort Bragg, N. C., he was assigned to psychological operations and spearheaded the reactivation of the 3rd Special Forces Group. Dr. Renteria donates academic and faith-inspired curricula which address social and emotional learning (SEL). The program helps children across the globe with their critical thinking skills and bridges the gap in their education.
—Office of Dr. Robert Renteria