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 School
safety is the number one priority for administrators and staff and
has shown some of the biggest changes over the years. Some of those
changes include the addition of cameras, both interior and exterior
as well as utilizing multiple access points to gain entrance to the
building. Safety changes come alongside the increase of school
violence and what is learned about such violence.
This school year, Chester-East Lincoln (CEL) added a new layer of
safety by adding a School Resource Officer (SRO). In partnership
with West-Lincoln Broadwell and the Logan County Sheriff's Office,
CEL has added Trent Park as their SRO.
An SRO serves various capacities, depending on the needs of the
school. Some of Officer Park’s duties include making sure the school
is secure and safe, educating students and staff about topics
related to the law, and building relationships. SROs also provide a
visual deterrent for crime by both those inside and outside the
building.
By being a public figure with authority, one of the goals of an SRO
is to assist students to make good choices and stay on the right
path. In addition, early education is most effective for long term
success, therefore, Officer Park’s connections with the young
students is just as important as with the older students.
An SRO must be someone that is knowledgeable, trusted
and accessible - not viewed as a scary authority figure that
contributes to anxiety. Officer Park has become an SRO that students
are comfortable with and appreciate. He can be seen eating lunch
with students, trying out his wiffle ball skills, or visiting with a
student to offer an ear to listen or a voice of reason. It is not
uncommon for the school community to see Officer Park at
extracurricular activities to support the students and offer support
after games to make sure the building is secure when the players and
fans have left.
Officer Park is not just any SRO, he has become a member of the
Panther Family. He serves as a positive male role model that is
appreciated and has made a positive impact on our school community.
One School. One Family.
[Laura Irwin, Administrator]
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