Rep. Sykes Announces Over $650,000 to help Canton City Middle Schoolers with Violence Prevention Program
Program to help students get back on track following suspensions, avoid violence
CANTON, OH – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs awarded $652,707 to the Center for Restorative Justice and Community Health at Walsh University, in partnership with Canton City Schools, for the Canton City Middle School Violence Intervention and Prevention Program.
“Our public schools must have the resources to serve all students. This includes understanding that some students may need more support than others. This funding helps by providing that support so that students who have been suspended can get the personalized, trauma-informed help they need to get back on track and succeed,” said Rep. Sykes.
“We are proud to partner with Walsh University’s Center for Restorative Justice and Community Health through the Bureau of Justice Administration’s STOP School Violence Program Grant. This three-year initiative will empower our middle schools to build a stronger school climate by training staff and students in restorative practices, establishing student response teams, and fostering peer leaders who can help resolve conflicts and promote a positive environment. This grant aligns with our district’s values of striving for excellence, developing leaders, and building community and will benefit our students for years to come,” said Canton City Schools Superintendent Jeff Talbert.
“We are honored to support Canton City Schools in this important work. Through our collaboration, we aim to help students develop emotional intelligence and conflict-resolution skills while creating a school climate where all students are valued contributors to their community. This aligns with Walsh University’s mission to form students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership, both inside and outside the classroom,” said Dr. Michelle Bemiller, Director of the Walsh University Center for Restorative Justice and Community Health.
These funds, awarded under the STOP School Violence Program, will help support over 1,100 7th and 8th grade students in four Canton City School buildings. The program, which will run through September 30, 2027, includes the development and implementation of a two-pronged approach.
Trauma-informed training will help with the recognition, response to, and prevention of school violence in four middle schools in the district. Through this program, Canton Middle School personnel and students are provided support in understanding sources of behavior challenges, as well as solutions to reduce and prevent violence that are individualized to student's needs.
Through a “train the trainer model,” schools will learn to implement restorative circles that encourage accountability, provide student support, and aid in student re-entry after suspension from their home school for violent incidents.