DALLAS - A Dallas high school history teacher is teaching his students something they can't learn fin any textbook book. What he's teaching could change their lives.
Inside room 320, things sometimes get out of control in Haymond Robinson's class, but that's a good thing. They are part of the "Boys2Men" program.
The class is designed to teach teens social skills, how to interact with people and how to live positive lives.
"When you introduce yourself, give a firm handshake, look them in the eye," Ladonte McNeal said of what he has learned. "When you talk with someone, look them in the eye and don't make yourself ... feel inferior if the person in front of you has a suit on and you don't. You can work your way up to that point."
Haymond Robinson is in his second year as a history teacher at Dallas' CAN Academy. He feels the program is a life-changer for many of the teenagers.
"Some of these guys don't have structure in their lives," he said. "At home, they don't have that leadership. So, with this program, we teach them how to be leaders. That's what they should be in their community. Leaders not only in their community, but it starts at home, in their household."
The students cap off their etiquette classes by practicing what they have learned. Students attend the ballet, plays and dine at fine restaurants.
"I can take what I learned in this class and pass it onto my peers and they can do the same," McNeal said. "So, we can make the world a better place, actually."
A better place as they transition from a boy to a young man and eventually to a grown man.
E-mail: cflanagan@wfaa.com
