Improving communication skills at Lenape is a huge priority. However, this focus needs to extend beyond the classroom to everyday life. Whether it is because of texting, Instagram, Facebook, video games or just a cultural shift, students struggle with one-on-one conversations with adults, especially those in positions of authority. As a society we see this constantly in the news.

Karen Brock

Administrative Director, Lenape Technical School

Beginning in March 2017, Lenape in collaboration with Manor Township Police department, introduced a School Resource Officer (SRO) into the building. A School Resource Office serves many roles. Most importantly he or she is an educator and resource for our students. While they no doubt provide a security element by not only their presence, but also their contribution of knowledge to our safety team, their primary role remains as a resource for our students and staff.

Our SROs intermingle with our students during lunch and before and after school. In addition, the SRO also goes into the classrooms and talks to the students about the opioid epidemic, distracted driving and bullying. These are not lectures but conversations. Our SROs also attend student functions, such as our snowball dance, prom and powderpuff game, which allows both SRO and students to interact outside of the classroom. Finally, they work with our SADD (Students Against Destructive Decision-making) club in holding activities such as the “Mock Accident” during prom season.

By building this type of relationship, students understand that law enforcement officers are not to be feared but rather are a resource for information and help. We now have students who seek out our SRO for a wide variety of issues, as well as to just “catch up.” Our goal is for our young adults at Lenape to obtain the skills and confidence to verbally communicate with all adults, especially those in law enforcement.