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Community group and SAPD present 'Juvenile Justice Jeopardy' to NEISD board; staff to follow up
Summary
A community-led education program modeled on the game Jeopardy was presented to the Northeast ISD board as a free, customizable workshop to teach middle and high school students about the juvenile justice system; district staff will review and report back.
A group including community volunteers and San Antonio Police Department representatives presented the Juvenile Justice Jeopardy program to the Northeast Independent School District Board of Trustees during public comment, and NEISD staff said they will meet with the presenters and return with a recommendation.
The program, described by Dr. Debbie Hamilton as an interactive, Jeopardy-style curriculum, is intended to engage students ages 12–18 on legal rights, consequences of behavior and common misconceptions about law enforcement. “Modeled after the popular game Jeopardy, JJJ is designed to, engage youth 12 to 18 in interactive sessions that educate them about the juvenile justice system, their legal rights, and the consequences of certain behaviors,” Hamilton said.
San Antonio Police Department presenter Sergeant Joel Pope said the program gives officers non‑enforcement opportunities to build relationships and reduce fear, and that the curriculum is customizable for local laws and partner agencies. “The three things that I wanted to mention, as it relates to the San Antonio Police Department … is the relationship that we get to develop with the kiddos,” Pope said, adding that the program also includes pre‑ and post‑data collection to measure changes in students’ legal knowledge.
Reagan High School counselor Michelle Tanner described using the program in AVID and JROTC classes and said parents were given permission slips and an option for alternate assignments. “Permission slips were given home or sent home with the explanation of the content and parents were invited to review all materials within a 5 day window,” Tanner said. Two Reagan students who participated said the game corrected misunderstandings and made learning about laws engaging.
Board members asked staff to review legal considerations and placement of the program in district curriculum or extracurricular offerings. Superintendent staff said Jacob Jarrett (director referenced by the board) will meet with the presenters after the school year concludes and return with details about whether the program requires curriculum review, board policy action, or other approvals. Trustee Adriana Villareal asked the administration to “circle back” with a follow up; the district confirmed staff will meet with the presenters and then report back to the board.
Presenters said the program is provided free of charge. “I want to emphasize to you all that this is free. No charge,” Hamilton said. The board did not take formal action at the meeting; the item was presented during matters from the floor and will be handled administratively as staff evaluates next steps.
If NEISD staff recommend inclusion, the board will consider whether the program should be presented under instruction, counseling, or as an extracurricular/community education offering and whether additional approvals or parent-notification procedures are required.
