Downingtown STEM Academy and Downingtown High School East recently hosted collaborative community events through the “Making Connections” program, an initiative designed to build meaningful relationships between students and local law enforcement.
The program is held in partnership with Downingtown Area School District’s (DASD) Office of Student Relations and School Climate (SRSC) and reflects the district’s ongoing commitment to fostering trust, mutual respect, and open dialogue within the community.
At STEM, short for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, located in Downingtown, students participated in a discussion with Officer Maureen Rae of the East Brandywine Police Department, while East students, in Uwchlan, met with Officer James Gallagher of the Uwchlan Police Department.
Students and staff at Downingtown High School East gather with Officer James Gallagher of the Uwchlan Police Department during the “Making Connections “program.
Students and officers discussed topics including traffic violations, juvenile offenses, and safe interactions with police. These conversations allowed students to ask questions, share perspectives, and gain insight into law enforcement practices, and at East, the group also took their conversation outdoors for a fun game of kickball.
“This program gives me the opportunity to connect with older students in a more relaxed, positive setting,” said Rae, a 10-year-veteran of the township department and graduate of West Chester University. “I want them to see police officers as people, not just authority figures. We’re able to have real conversations without the pressure of anyone ‘being in trouble,’ and that makes a big difference,” said Rae.
“My goal every day is to have a positive impact on the people I interact with, and “Making Connections” allows me to do that with students I wouldn’t otherwise get to know,” she said. “That impact matters because we, as police officers, want young people to feel comfortable coming to us for help, advice, or even just to talk. Programs like this help build that trust and ultimately make our communities stronger and safer.”
“Making Connections” continues to provide students with meaningful opportunities to engage with local law enforcement and build positive community relationships.
For more information about “Making Connections” and other SRSC programs, visit www.dasd.org/srsc.
Source: Berkshire mont