Tired of violence: Options Alternative High School flips it out

Montreal, May 31, 2024 – On Friday, May 31, students at Options Alternative High School in Ville Émard concluded the academic year by metaphorically flipping violence out of Montreal by completing their challenge of flipping two tractor tires the distance between their school and the mid-way point of the Champlain Bridge. Social worker Julien Bérube and Options' Jason Gannon with students. Annually, Project Development Officer Jason Gannon looks for unique ways to inspire his students. This year, he acquired two huge tractor tires weighing 550 lbs each and from May 1 to 31, nearly 40 students, each in pairs, committed to flip the tires a total of 5,000 times. “This idea was borne out of two students in conflict. The expected response would have been traditional disciplinary action, but the staff, led by head teacher James Bray, decided to try something new,” said Mr. Gannon. “The students chose a teacher advocate and came together in a restorative circle. ...