375 Students in the Second Through Fifth Grades at Chisum Elementary School Receive Age-Appropriate Lessons From Chris Palmore, Sergeant at Chisum ISD Police Department, on the Risks of Drugs and Violence
The L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence) program just began for 375 students in the second through fifth grades at Chisum Elementary School. Chisum ISD Police Department Sergeant, Chris Palmore, was trained by L.E.A.D., a nationwide nonprofit that works with communities to help students understand the dangers of drugs and violence, to teach the organization’s proven effective curriculum. Now, during the school day, the second, third, fourth and fifth graders in Lamar County are learning from Sgt. Palmore why avoiding drugs and violence is crucial as well as how to build skills surrounding effective communication, conflict resolution and social and emotional competency, for example.
“Since the curriculum implemented by our organization protects children from the dangers of alcohol, drugs and violence and teaches them how to set attainable goals, manage their emotions and make wise decisions, we’re thrilled that students in Lamar County have begun our program,” said Nick DeMauro, CEO of L.E.A.D. “We’re pleased that Sgt. Palmore chose to attend one of our training sessions to become a L.E.A.D. instructor, and we welcome him into our family. We’re excited to see the positive impact that he’ll make on the kids he’s teaching, and we know that he’ll do an excellent job helping us to continue accomplishing our goal of strengthening police-community relationships.”
Since the L.E.A.D. program focuses on teaching students the importance of making good decisions in their everyday lives, it’ll be a tremendous asset in furthering the education that the second through fifth graders already receive in school, says Sgt. Palmore.
“Of course, it’s vital that students are able to succeed in educational courses like English, math and science. However, sometimes we forget about some of the other things that are also important for their development, like making sure they have certain life skills that will help them in various situations that they’ll face throughout their lives,” he said. “Therefore, I’m thrilled that L.E.A.D. is being introduced to some of the students at Chisum Elementary School. The program will help them to understand that making smart decisions and being a good person, which will ultimately help them to avoid alcohol, drugs and violence, are both incredibly important.”
Due to the newfound knowledge that the children will gain throughout the L.E.A.D. program and be able to take with them during the rest of their school careers and beyond, Sgt. Palmore is confident that the relationship between the Chisum ISD Police Department and the community in Lamar County will advance throughout his instruction.
“Family members will observe that the kids have obtained tools to help them communicate more effectively and solve problems, for instance, which will show them that the program I’m teaching them is really making a difference in their lives,” said Sgt. Palmore. “The positive changes that will ensue among the students enrolled in L.E.A.D. will help to resolve the negative feeling that folks in our community may feel toward police officers, which is a great aspect about the way L.E.A.D. works to better police-community relationships.”
“It’s been a pleasure to teach the up-to-date curriculum on drug and violence prevention implemented by L.E.A.D. so far,” he added. “I look forward to seeing the difference in the relationship between our police department and the community at the beginning versus the end of the program. I’m certain that by the end of it, more people will feel as though they can rely on us from seeing how we’ve impacted the elementary students in the town.”
About L.E.A.D.
L.E.A.D. provides the leadership, resources and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with educators, community leaders, and families. L.E.A.D. succeeds by providing proven and effective programs to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug related crimes, bullying and violence. L.E.A.D. is committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill and relations between law enforcement and their communities. For more information, visit https://www.leadrugs.org/.
