I have just witnessed the most timely drug-safety school presentation.
Ms. Bartel’s 3/4 class at Cheam Elementary was visited today by dog-handling officers Steve, Maria, and Melanie, and their drug-sniffing dogs Riley, Lena, and Simba. Together, this team demonstrated how their dogs sniffed for drugs (using training scent pads), and talked to the kids about safety steps they should take if they happen to find needles or white powder.
During question/answer time, one 11-year-old girl related her own story of finding a needle while riding her bike on the street behind her house and the safety steps she took. The officers congratulated her for following the advice given to her by her father—Imagine the pride at being applauded by an officer in front of your classmates!—plus, they clearly outlined how kids should respond to encountering needles or drugs on the street or in the parks. “We want all you kids to stay safe,” they said. And the kids listened.
Altogether, the presentation lasted about an hour. I understand from an administrator’s perspective at the end of the year, this presentation might be difficult to squeeze in. But as a parent, I believe this kind of safety education invaluable. If at all possible, book this show!
Kudos to these officers for stepping forward and proposing this visit to Ms. Bartel—and extra treats for their dogs, too!
Dave Hawkins