'This is one way we come together for our kids'

May 11-"There is no child that is immune from the risks."

Grant County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman

MOSES LAKE - Moses Lake School District is convening a broad coalition of educators, law enforcement officers and regional safety specialists tonight for a gang awareness and prevention town hall, an event district leaders say is aimed at equipping families with practical tools to recognize early warning signs and keep youth connected to positive supports.

The event runs 5:30-7 p.m. at Vanguard Academy, where presenters will outline current trends in gang activity, indicators families should watch for, and strategies for starting early, proactive conversations with children and teens. The district is offering food and childcare to encourage attendance, and organizers say the evening is designed to be supportive rather than fear‑based.

"This event is about getting ahead of concerns before they become problems," said Scott West, the district's executive director of safety and well-being. "When families understand what to look for and how to respond, we create stronger support systems around our students and a safer community overall."

A timely conversation

West said the district intentionally scheduled the event in spring, noting that summer brings long stretches of unstructured time for students.

"It's important to do it right now," he said. "Summertime is typically a little less structured, and we didn't want to go an entire year without offering this education."

Last year's event drew about 15 to 20 attendees, held in a smaller district room. West, who attended while still working in the Warden School District, said the district wanted to expand the format this year with a larger venue, food service and childcare to make the event more accessible.

"We're just trying to provide it to our community," he said. "We looked at how we could do it differently, and we want people to feel welcome."

What families will learn

Tonight's program begins with a 45‑ to 50‑minute presentation from Hunter McCleod, a prevention specialist with the North Central Educational Service District, and Corporal Ray Lopez, a Moses Lake Police Department school resource officer. The pair will cover gang trends, early indicators and strategies for parents and caregivers.

West said early signs can include changes in clothing or colors, symbols drawn on notebooks or binders, paraphernalia, or shifts in peer groups.

"Some symbols or behaviors may seem insignificant, but they can be indicators," he said. "It's critical that we educate our staff and families."

A panel discussion will follow, featuring representatives from the Moses Lake Police Department, Grant County Sheriff's Office, and district administrators, including building leaders who can speak to what they are seeing in schools. Panelists will take questions from families, including those submitted in advance.

The district has also invited community organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, New Hope and Renew to host resource tables. Families will be able to take home information about youth programs, counseling services and other supports.

A regional effort

The Grant County Sheriff's Office, which recently partnered with the Ephrata School District on a similar event, said the goal is to help families understand the risks facing youth both online and in their communities.

"We've teamed up with the Ephrata School District, and now with the Moses Lake School District, and our presenters hope to provide information to parents, students and the community on how to reduce youth risk of gang violence, sextortion and other cybercrimes targeting youth," said GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman.

He said this event is important for every community member to attend.

"The community should come out to get educated in order to have a better understanding and to get facts about what the risks are," he said. "There is no child that is immune from the risks."

Addressing misconceptions

West said he has heard two competing narratives from the community: some residents believe Moses Lake does not have a gang problem, while others believe the problem is already too entrenched to address.

"Please attend," West said to those who may doubt the need. "Law enforcement will be able to attest that we do have a gang problem. We might not always see it in schools, but they see it after hours."

He pointed to recent incidents, including a shooting near a middle school last year that involved gang affiliation.

"Our young children are exposed to gang‑related behaviors, whether it's in their home, their neighborhood or through friends," he said.

A shared responsibility

District leaders emphasized that the event is open to students, families, staff and all community members, reflecting what West calls a "shared responsibility" for youth safety.

"It's not solely the parents' responsibility, and it's not solely the school district's responsibility," he said. "The more opportunities we create with parent and community involvement, the more we can positively influence our youth."

West said he hopes families who may feel hesitant will still consider attending.

"It's a safe, comfortable and supportive environment," he said. "Even if families don't feel like it's a problem in their own home, our schools bring together 8,000 students with different experiences. This can be educational in many ways."

He added that the event is also about connection.

"We may not have all the answers, but we're going to provide ideas and concepts families can take home," he said. "It takes a village, and this is one way we come together for our kids."

Gang Awareness & Prevention Night

May 12

5:30-7 p.m.

Vanguard Academy

740 E. Yonezawa Blvd., Moses Lake

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