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collaborative project supports educators and familiesChildren and families are living in a world that is becoming increasingly complex and technologically driven. The goal of the Start Smart Stay Safe Program is to support healthy children, families and communities through a proactive and preventive approach that will support educators and families in building the resilience of children in schools and communities for a rich and vibrant Calgary. A two-year pilot begins this October in 15 Calgary Kindergarten to Grade 6 classrooms, but is expected to expand to all Calgary schools over time. “When we were presented with the opportunity to create a universally positive collaboration with the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Catholic School District and Mount Royal University’s Centre for Child Well-Being, we did not hesitate,” said CBE Chief Superintendent Naomi Johnson. “We knew that by continuing to build strong, resilient students and families in Calgary, we could contribute even more to the success of our students.” The hope is that a positive police presence in schools will help students to view the police as members of the community who act as positive role models, and help to keep us safe. The Calgary Police Service is the first Canadian policing agency to undertake the development and delivery of a collaborative, educational initiative intended to support all young people. This initiative will continue to be collaborative as schools guide the role of police officers in classrooms. Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District teachers have been working side by side with police to collaborate in the development of resources to align with school and provincial initiatives. This work will serve to inform and support a shift in both education and law enforcement toward a strength-based model of responsible citizenship. Police officers are working with teachers to co-facilitate activities that help students to develop awareness of self and personal strengths, as well as to provide opportunities for leadership and contribution to school and community.
Calgary Board of Education, Calgary’s public school system
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