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The Step Up Texas Task Force includes (front row, left to right) Patricia Arteaga, Kendra Cantrell, Judge Dana Zirpoli, Dr. Edna Garcia, Chris Tristan, and Amy Hagerman, (middle row) Theresa Salazar, Elizabeth Castillo, Elizabeth Ortiz, Jennifer Quintero, Alison Tipton, Dr. Rick Garcia, Dr. Angelica Okamoto, Christi McCasland, and Tony Martinez, (back row) Katrina Garrett, Kimberly Ford, Jim Tirey, Dr. Ray Barbosa, Eddie Subealdea, Brandon Ontiveros, Benny Gonzales and Dr. Jeff Carr.
The STEP UP TEXAS Task Force convened at West Texas Coffee in Dimmitt, for their third meeting, led by Hale County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Eddie Subealdea and his team, Alison Tipton and Elizabeth Castillo (TTAPS).
During this session, the team focused on identifying opportunities and threats through an ongoing SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats)with the overarching objective of mitigating youth involvement within the juvenile justice system.
The project is funded through a grant that facilitates trauma-informed training and restorative practices training for all school district staff within Tulia ISD, Dimmitt ISD, Hale Center ISD, and Abernathy ISD in the initial year. In the subsequent year, the focus will shift towards implementing the training imparted in the first year.
The collaborative effort seeks to equip teachers to integrate trauma-informed approaches and restorative practices into their classrooms. This deliberate approach is expected to benefi t trainers, staff members, and students alike while providing additional wraparound services for students and staff.
The Dimmitt High School’s Advanced Culinary students, overseen by Crystal Nino, provided lunch for the meeting, showcasing the excellence of Dimmitt ISD students.
Tipton offered special thanks to Superintendent Jill Millican and Dr. Angelica Okamoto for allowing the students to participate in the event, as well as West Texas Coffee for hosting the meeting.