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Police School Liaison Program Staff
Michele Zahner
USD 259 Coordinator
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Since its inception in 1978, the Police-School Liaison program has provided officers from the Wichita Police Department for classroom presentations in the Wichita Public Schools. This cooperative program increases student awareness of citizens' rights and responsibilities under the law while fostering positive attitudes toward police officers and law enforcement.
During the 2009-2010 school year, there are two officers assigned full time to the program along with one full-time educator experienced in classroom teaching. The officers complete special training in communications skills, multicultural awareness and children's issues. The school specialist works daily with the officers in coordinating the program. Classroom teachers throughout the district assist in identifying program topics and in developing activities and materials for use with the officers' presentations.
During the school year approximately 2,000 programs are presented within classrooms, which translates into more than 54,000 student contacts.
The Police-School Liaison program is involved with several other activities that directly impact students or teachers including:
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Inservice presentation opportunities for both students and teachers
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Summer Bicycle Skills and Safety Clinics
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Safety Fairs
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Other special interest programs, on an as needed basis
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Topics Offered
(descriptions at bottom of page)
Pre-K through Grade 1
Suggested for assembly or individual classroom presentations
- Gun Safety
- Haloween Safety
Suggested for up to two individual classrooms per presentation
- Introductory Session
- S.A.F.E. / Stranger Danger
Grade 2 and 3
Suggested for assembly or individual classroom presentations
- Vandalism
- Pedestrian and Bus Safety
Suggested for up to two individual classrooms per presentation
- Shoplifting / Stealing
- Personal Safety Awareness
- Character Education / Respect / Integrity
- Bullying
Grade 4 and 5
Suggested for assembly or individual classroom presentations
- Safety for "Tweens"
- Vandalism
- Gun Safety
Suggested for up to two individual classrooms per presentation
- Internet Safety
- Child Abuse
- Shoplifting/Stealing
- Harassment/Sexual Harassment
- Character Education / Respect / Integrity
- Personal Safety Awareness
- Bullying
- Gangs
- Over-The-Counter and Prescription Medicines (requires two class sessions)
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Safety Tips for “Tweens”
Kids in this age group are often left home alone and/or are babysitting other children. This 30 minute assembly style program will offer safety tips to remember as well as how to handle emergency situations when an adult is not present
Gangs
Many of our youth are pressured to join gangs and are unaware of the real dangers associated with gang affiliation. These lessons are designed to reach kids before they make that decision, help them realize the consequences and teach skills to resist pressure to join a gang.
Child Abuse
Approximately two million American children suffer from child abuse each year and the effects are devastating. This curriculum defines the types of abuse, explores the dynamics of the abusive situation and most importantly, teaches that abuse need not be tolerated. Children are taught that they are not alone and help is available to them.
Personal Safety Awareness Program
Ninety percent of the sexual assaults on children are committed by someone known to the child who takes advantage of a position of trust. In these lessons, children will learn about their rights when they are faced with a confusing or uncomfortable situation. They will also learn ways to prevent or stop the abuse, as well as how they should report the behavior.
Internet Safety
Kids can obtain wonderful information on the Internet, but it is vital for them to be aware of the dangers that are lurking about. This lesson will provide information on common sense “rules of the road” and tips on how to safely navigate the internet.
Shoplifting/Stealing
Shoplifting or stealing often begins with simple, inexpensive items taken from the classroom or at home. These presentations create an opportunity for students to understand the many “costs” of stealing as it relates to the community, merchant, family, and to the child. The “cost” of stealing is more than dollars and cents.
Vandalism
Vandalism is committed by children of all ages. It is imperative that younger children are aware of the consequences of vandalism for the vandals, their victims and the community.
Bullying
Bullying is prevalent throughout the world and it cuts across socio-economic and cultural lines. Researchers estimate that 20 to 30 percent of school-age children are involved in bullying incidents, either as victims or perpetrators. This program is to help children recognize bullying behaviors in themselves and others and what they can do about it.
Character Education/Respect/Integrity
Children want and deserve respect. They need to learn that respect is earned and cannot be obtained through bullying. In addition, they need to be aware of their responsibility to treat others and their surroundings in a respectful manner. Honesty is important in our lives. We have become accustomed to “white lies” with many people adopting the philosophy that, “If I’m not caught, it’s okay.” These two lessons guide discussion about character, respect and integrity.
Gun Safety
The goal for this 30 minute assembly style lesson is to help children know what to do if they find a gun. It is imperative that children understand the danger involved in handling any gun, including those that are “unloaded.” We focus on “Stop!” “Don’t Touch!” “Leave the Area!” and “Tell an Adult!”
Harassment/Sexual Harassment
Young people grow up seeing various inappropriate actions. These behaviors may be learned at home, on TV, or through observing others. It is important that students are aware that many of these “teasing” and “flirting” behaviors are not only inappropriate, but could even lead to legal problems. This program is designed to outline many of the results of harassment.
Introductory Session
This session provides students an opportunity to interact with a police officer on a personal level. It also introduces students to the career of a police office. Officers interact with the students and help them to see the value of law and order in our society as well as correct misperceptions concerning law enforcement.
Halloween Safety
This assembly presentation is designed to help younger children stay safe on Halloween. There are many rules about “Trick or Treating” that kids (and adults) should follow. This will serve as a reminder that if you observe common sense and safety rules, you can have lots of fun!
S.A.F.E./Stranger Danger
This program is designed to help children recognize potentially dangerous behaviors and situations. It will assist in the development of good safety habits for walking to and from school, playing at the park or in their neighborhood, and being watchful both inside and outside the home.
Pedestrian and Bus Safety
Each time a child walks somewhere, he or she can be in danger. This assembly style lesson will provide an opportunity for children to learn and practice safety rules to crate a safer environment for themselves and others. (We have expanded this program to include bus safety in order to reinforce their responsibility for safety as a bus passenger or as a pedestrian around buses.)
Over-The-Counter and Prescription Medicines (requires two classroom sessions)
This program is designed to help the 4th and 5th grade student understand the dangers of misusing (abusing) drugs that are usually considered safe. During the two lessons, students will learn how to read and understand the labels, including warnings, on these drugs.
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