What is Second Step?
Second Step
A school-based program for children in K-8 that defines a clear set of norms against violence and substance abuse and teaches skills needed to live them. Second Step, a social skills curriculum, teaches children to change the very attitudes and behaviors that contribute to violence and drug abuse by encouraging them to think about others' feelings, solve problems cooperatively, and manage their anger in a positive way. Since 1992, JFS has implemented the Second Step program in over 200 schools in Boston, Canton, Cambridge, Chelsea, Lawrence, Malden, Methuen, Natick, North Andover, Peabody, and Plymouth.
After-School Enrichment
The after-school program was developed by JFS to complement the Second Step school-based curriculum. The after-school program uses enrichment activities in art, music, and drama to reinforce the same drug and violence prevention, pro-social skills of empathy, impulse control/problem solving, and anger management being taught in the school-based program. For twenty years, JFS has provided the after-school program for the children of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Parent Education
Parent Education: Workshops that teach parents how to reinforce the skills fostered by Second Step at home.
Kidtips
for
Preventing Violence
"First try to talk it out. If that doesn't work, walk away."
- Cathy Sanchez, age 11
"If you're angry, take a deep breath and count to ten backwards."
- Chanabel Azzi, age 10
"Get in more after-school activities where you will learn how to resist peer pressure to use drugs."
- Ziomara Pena, age 12
These ideas come from children who are learning how to resist violence and drugs through Second Step after-school enrichment activities in art, music, and drama…
Second Step Impulse Control Lesson
Littering is an example of a lack of impulse control. Littering is a serious problem that can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and spread disease through direct or indirect contact with humans. Littering may attract pests or cause fires. Litter can be blown in creeks and rivers, polluting land, waterways, and ocean environments.
Lawrence Guilmette Middle School‘s Second Step Students (pictured below)
FRM10 Hall Chat - Bucket Drumming
Bullying Prevention
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Second Step Testimonials
“Students at the Leahy School were very fortunate to participate in the Second Step after-school program sponsored by JFS. It was evident at the end of the year that the art, music, and drama activities had a positive impact with the children exhibiting the pro-social behavior promised by the curriculum.”
Patricia Mariano, Former Principal
F.M. Leahy School, Lawrence
“Second Step lessons are the invaluable tool educators need to help children achieve their goals and create a better society. We are immensely grateful for JFS and its dedication to the youth of the City. After learning the skills, our kids brought problems to their class meetings, brainstormed, and role-played different situations to work our real-life solutions. We look forward to your continued support of the children with this wonderful after-school program.”
William Alves and Paula Sideri, Second Step After-School Teachers
Guilmette Middle School, Lawrence
“The Joey Fournier Services has positively influenced countless children in Lawrence with the Second Step program. Thank you...We look forward to continuing the program.”