The program, called SKILLS, Sheriff’s Kids Improving Leadership and Life Skills, will replace the long-running GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program that the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office has taught in schools throughout the county for nearly two decades.
Officials say the change comes as the national GREAT curriculum has become outdated, with its most recent update occurring in 2018.
By developing a new program in-house, the Sheriff’s Office will be able to adapt the curriculum more quickly to address modern challenges facing students.
“We are excited to launch this brand new program aimed at assisting our youth in making good choices and empowering them to be leaders among their peers,” Toulon said.
“The Sheriff’s Office has a robust presence in our school districts, and this initiative will further strengthen our relationship with the young men and women of our county.”
The 10-week curriculum is designed for sixth-grade students and began rolling out this week in the William Floyd and Brentwood school districts. Officials say creating the program internally also allows the Sheriff’s Office to train instructors without sending officers away for outside certification, saving thousands of dollars in training costs.
The SKILLS curriculum focuses on communication, decision-making and personal responsibility.
Students will learn about topics such as healthy versus unhealthy social media use, internet safety, identifying trusted adults and recognizing cyberbullying.
Lessons will also address peer pressure, vaping and other emerging trends, while teaching students strategies for saying no and making positive choices.
Additional instruction includes building empathy, improving listening skills and learning techniques for conflict resolution and managing anger.Sheriff’s officials say the program is intended to equip students with tools they can use both in school and throughout their lives.