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Independence Police Law Enforcement School-Based Initiative |
Purpose Statement
The STEP (Students Transitioning Exceptionally Preparped) program is specifically designed to address the ongoing need to properly prepare those students transitioning from elementary school to middle school, then middle school to high school. It provides the training and information needed to allow the students to transition smoothly, without causing additional stress and/or trauma to being introduced to a new environment where goals and expectations are increased. It is directly targeted to all current 5th grade and 8th grade students within the Independence School District.
Needs Addressed
What problem or opportunity does the program addresses?
The Step Program directly addresses the idea that the traditional DARE program was no longer effective. A nationwide trend was being observed that saw school districts decreasing the DARE course or abandoning it altogether. The target audience was not developing those skills to deal and cope with everyday issues experienced by youth.
Who experiences it? Through extensive research, it was learned that the age groups most effected were those students who had transitioned from elementary school to middle school and then middle school to high school.
The risk factors STEP addresses are 1) Smoking-Vaping; 2) Drugs; 3) Alcohol; 4) Conflict Resolution; 5) Bullying-Cyberbullying; 6) Sexting-Social Media.
Services
• Students will be educated on issues they may not have encountered and how to handle those new experiences.
• Students will be instructed on the negative affects of bullying and cyber-bullying. Not only how it could have adverse affects on the victims of the behavior, but the repercussions to those who display the behavior.
• Students will be given instruction on the various ways to effectively manage conflict resolution.
• Drug, Alcohol, Youth Smoking-Vaping prevention education will be provided to students.
• Students will be exposed to the defintion of Cyber crimes, including sexting and sending nude photos, and the legal ramifications that can result if they are sending or possessing such material.
• Students will be instructed on the policy and procedure changes that will directly affect them in transitioning from elementary and middle school.
Locations
Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.
Contact:
Mike Onka • 816-564-7957
2023 COMBAT Funding:
$225,000
2023 Service Projection:
8,650 Students
Areas Of Focus
Abraham Mallinson Elementary, 709 N Forest St, Sugar Creek, MO 64054
Bingham Middle School, 1716 Speck Rd, Independence, MO 64057
Blackburn Elementary School, 17302 E R D Mize Rd, Independence, MO 64057
Bryant Elementary School, 827 W College St, Independence, MO 64050
Cassell Park Elementary, 10401 E 31st St S, Independence, MO 64052
Center Place Restoration School, 819 W Waldo Ave #2624, Independence, MO 64050
Christian Ott Elementary School, 1525 N Noland Rd, Independence, MO 64050
Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School, 2800 S Hardy Ave, Independence, MO 64052
Fairmount Elementary School, 120 N Cedar Ave, Independence, MO 64053
Glendale Elementary School, 2611 S Lee's Summit Rd, Independence, MO 64055
Korte Elementary School, 2437 S Hardy Ave, Independence, MO 64052
Little Blue Elementary, 2020 Quail Dr, Independence, MO 64057
John W Luff Elementary School, 3700 S Delaware Ave, Independence, MO 64055
Mill Creek Elementary School, 2601 N Liberty St, Independence, MO 64050
Nativity of Mary School, 10021 E 36th Terrace S, Independence, MO 64052
Pioneer Ridge Middle School, 1656 S Speck Rd, Independence, MO 64057
Procter Elementary School, 1403 W Linden Ave, Independence, MO 64052
Randall Elementary School, 509 N Jennings Rd, Independence, MO 64056
Santa Fe Trail Elementary School, 1301 Windsor St, Independence, MO 64055
Spring Branch Elementary School, 20404 E Truman Rd, Independence, MO 64056
Sycamore Hills Elementary School, 15208 East 39th St S, Independence, MO 64055
Thomas Hart Benton Elementary School, 429 S Leslie Ave, Independence, MO 64050
Three Trails Elementary School, 11801 E 32nd St S, Independence, MO 64052
William Southern Elementary School, 4300 S Phelps Rd, Independence, MO 64055