Littleton Public Schools Students Foster Positive Relationships with Local First Responders, Military

LITTLETON — Superintendent Kelly Clenchy is pleased to share that students in Littleton Public Schools Extended School Year (ESY) program developed new, positive relationships with local first responders through a visit with Littleton Police and Fire, and a representative of the U.S. Army.

Each year as part of the District’s ESY program, students with disabilities meet with Littleton and regional first responders to ask questions about their work, learn about the various equipment and vehicles, and overall foster a healthy and positive relationship with police, firefighters and other helpers in the community.

This year, students met with members of the Littleton Police and Fire Departments, as well as a Sergeant from the United States Army.

Students had the chance to explore a Littleton Police cruiser and motorcycle and had some facetime with Officer Parker Choate and Littleton PD K-9, the department’s half Belgian Malinois half Dutch Shepherd. The Littleton Fire Department also gave students an exciting tour of a fire truck and ambulance. 

“This is our third year coordinating this meeting, and the focus is on exposing the students to the personnel, diminishing any fear they may have, and building positive relationships,” said Special Education ESY Coordinator Michael Jarvis. “This is as much a learning experience for the first responders as it is for the students as they are able to observe our special education staff working with students and get strategies on how to approach interactions in a positive manner.”

As part of the learning project, students interviewed first responders and service members about their everyday lives on duty. Some of the questions included:

• What made you want to join the police/fire/army?
• What was the hardest thing you’ve had to do on the job?
• What is your favorite part about the job?
• Where is the coolest or furthest place you’ve traveled to on duty?
• What is a typical day like on the job?
• Was training/academy hard?
• Have you ever been scared on the job?

“For the past three years, our ESY program has aimed to help establish firsthand relationships for students with disabilities with various departments in the community,” said Superintendent Clenchy. “We strive to foster a sense of comfort and approachability from our students toward public safety personnel.”