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Health & Fitness

Washington Finds Sheriff's Program Just G.R.E.A.T.

Washington Primary School fourth graders recently completed a six week program sponsored by Suffolk Sheriff Vincent F. DeMarco. The sessions educated the youngsters about such issues as bullying, youth crime, violence, drug use and gang involvement while developing a positive relationship between the young people and law enforcement professionals.

The G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistant Education and Training) program is funded through a federal grant. Officer Everett Oliver worked with each of the Washington School fourth grade classes for one hour each week delivering carefully crafted lessons and pursuing activities contained in a 32 page handbook given to each student.

Mr. DeMarco has been a strong proponent of the G.R.E.A.T. program. The first Suffolk officer was trained to teach the curriculum in 2006 and the program was formally launched in the county the following year. Since then more officers have been trained and a unit has been created for those who teach the program part-time in addition to their other professional responsibilities.

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“The Washington students were attentive and well-behaved,” Officer Oliver said. “They took the classes seriously and enjoyed participating in the activities that go with it. They were genuinely interested in learning.”

According to the Suffolk Sheriff’s website, prevention is the primary objective of the G.R.E.A.T. initiative. “The program is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence and gang membership,” states the website.

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Practical lessons were presented each week with activities, including role-plays to go with them. Lessons included ones addressing bullies on a bus, helping new students assimilate into a school, making good decisions, body language, use of words and tone of voice, “staying cool when the heat is on,” acting instead of reacting, losing control, “anger alert,” standing up for the “right” thing and many others.

G.R.E.A.T. program lessons are centered on providing life skills to students to help them “avoid using delinquent behavior and violence to solve problems and make better choices in life,” according to the Suffolk Sheriff’s website.

“Officer Oliver worked very well with our fourth graders,” Washington Principal Marsha Neville said. “The students looked forward to his visits and lessons and reacted very positively to his message. The G.R.E.A.T. program is certainly a worthwhile one.”

The recently completed program challenges young people to “choose to be G.R.E.A.T.” Washington students said they intend to do just that.

 

 

 

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