Happy spring North Hampton parents and families,
This week, I want to communicate with you about an exciting new partnership we've initiated with the North Hampton police department. Many of you know, or are aware of, Detective (previously Officer) Chris Poppalardo, who has worked with the school for several years and runs our DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program with 6th graders, here at NHS. Chris is great with the kids and has been a wonderful community resource over the years.
Beyond the DARE program, in partnership and collaboration with Chief Mone and the North Hampton Police Department, we have arranged for Detective Poppalardo to spend time at the school during his regular duty hours, two days a week. The intention is to create another opportunity for community engagement and positive youth development here at NHS, through the presence of an additional positive mentor and role model, here for the kids, helping them to learn and grow.
Generally, Chris will be with us on Tuesdays and Thursdays to assist with buses and arrival in the morning and be present and available to work with students and teachers on the first floor (PreK-3) in the morning. Chris makes a great guest reader and classroom helper. During lunch and recess times, Det. "Pop" will be outside most of the time, playing with the kids; in addition to him providing another set of eyes to help keep them safe. After lunches, Chris will help upstairs (grades 4-8) with leadership and character development, along with classroom activities. At dismissal time, he'll help with buses and traffic and is happy to lend a hand with after-school activities, as well.
Chief Mone and I are enthusiastic about trying this initiative "on for size" and assessing how things have gone at the end of this month. Prior to that, Detective Poppalardo will provide me (and Chief Mone) a report of his first few days at NHS, which I will share with the School Board and Superintendent Lupini at the April 18th School Board meeting.
On the days Detective Poppalardo is with us at NHS, he's here for community outreach, to be a visual and welcoming presence, to forge positive relationships and to help with youth development and empowerment; as another positive adult connection. Additionally, this is part of a whole school approach to establish the healthiest (physically and emotionally) and safest environment we can. This aligns with one of the NHS Guiding Beliefs and is an area of focus in our School Improvement Plan. Also, Chris will wear what he normally wears for DARE, not his police uniform. Thank you to Chief Kathryn Mone and Detective Chris Poppalardo for helping to further an education here at NHS that empowers our students to be caring, competent, responsible citizens who value learning as a lifelong process.
Please feel free to contact me here at the school (phone or e-mail) if you have questions.
I hope you have an enjoyable week!
Erik M. Anderson
Principal
North Hampton School