Forget the NBA Championship and March Madness. The event of the basketball season was the first ASA Annual 3-on-3 Classic, match-up of the basketball skills of students and staff members in December. The idea was to create an activity where students and staff could play and compete together, and to encourage female participation. The tournament featured three-member teams (including one female player), playing on a half court. Team winners and individual effort was recognized at a banquet in December. First place winners were Antonio Breashear's team (which included Brandon Lee and Ronisha Johnson) and second place winners were Ms. Kelly Smith's team (which included Albert Franklin and Tevin Johnson). In the photo above, Carolyn Phillips (right) guards Kendra Johnson (left) as Mr. Kosin and Mr. Lupo cheer their players.

Peace Circle participants (from left): Breanna Ellis, Albert Franklin, Jermaine Mullen Jr., Stephen Washington, Tamera Smith, and Marqueisha Daniels.

 With the help of Peace Circles, ASA students are learning to listen patiently and speak more carefully. The sessions, held each Friday, began in December and are guided by Antonio Breashears, an ASA counselor. Last year, the concept of Peace Circles was introduced in the Austin community to "teachers, barbers, hair stylists and church members, so the concept is taught not just in school," says Breashears.

The idea is to teach anger management and conflict resolution so that petty disagreements don't escalate into violence. At ASA the Peace Circles are targeted to four groups: teen parents, students who've had run-ins with the police, students with academic deficiencies, and students referred by counselors. Students come together to talk on topics relevant to their groups. Recently, teen parents heard from a speaker from Family Focus in Lawndale about services available to them.

While Breashears provides guidance, students take the lead in conversations as they sit in a circle, speaking only when they hold the talking stick. "This teaches them patience and to think about what they want to say," Breashears says. "They have to stay respectful and not talk over each other." The sessions are aimed at teaching that the greatest elements of conflict resolution are self-respect and respect for others, he adds.