Community members declared Thursday night that they are reclaiming their streets, putting residents on notice of their intent to return to a safer time.

Christopher Garris, a former gang member, introduced himself at Glenn Hills Middle School during the family night as a member of the Taking Back the Streets Foundation.

"And believe me, that's exactly what we're going to do," he said. "Parental involvement is our key."

Parents aren't just the traditional mother and father -- it's the aunts, uncles and next-door neighbors as well, Mr. Garris told the crowd. Taking back the streets will mean sons and daughters could go to jail, and parents must change the behaviors that send them there, Mr. Garris said.

Sgt. Richard Roundtree, a homicide investigator, asked parents to remember back to a time when cereal boxes had great prizes inside, a "do over" fixed a problem and water balloons were the ultimate weapon.

But four years ago Richmond County had the highest juvenile homicide rate in the state and only months ago the ATF conducted one of its largest operations, rounding up more than 100 people in a gang sweep in the county, Sgt. Roundtree said.

"We are coming to a time when we say no more," he said. "You are the light that can destroy the darkness."

Thursday's event, which involved the school communities of Glenn Hills Middle, Glenn Hills High and Morgan Road Middle schools, also addressed the importance of families coming together to improve academics.

Donnie Porter, a school board guidance and testing coordinator, cautioned parents not to think of Glenn Hills Middle as a failing school, pointing out that it met 11 of 13 measures for adequate yearly progress under No Child Left Behind last year.

But the school has been on the "needs improvement" list for eight years because it hasn't met all of the required measures.

Parents need to get involved -- more than just bake sales -- so their children succeed, said Lunelle Barnes, a parent facilitator for the school board.

"We are a team. These are our boys and girls," she said.

Mr. Garris challenged the parents and community members to wake up this morning, knock on doors and ask why their neighbors weren't in attendance.

The family night comes just ahead of state standardized testing.