Patrol Officers Adopt Schools
Officer Sara Alanis gets a high-five
from a young Morgan Hill resident
at National Night Out.
Another initiative aimed at supporting Morgan Hill’s youth
is a staffing change made this year. Traditionally, the department
had two school resource officers, each based at one of the Morgan
Hill high schools. This year one school resource officer position
from each high school was reassigned to patrol.
This modification freed up time in the schedules of all patrol
officers giving them the opportunity to “adopt” a school of their
own. During the course of the week officers visit their school as
often as possible, interacting with parents, teachers, and students
and providing a positive role model for the students.
Reaction to this change from the schools has been extremely
well received. Patrick Buchser, principal of Jackson Academy of
Mathematics and Music states “Without a doubt, having an officer visit frequently has been a big benefit to our school.” Buchser
continues, “The role of a police officer is becoming demystified.
Some students have had negative encounters with law enforcement, but now they are discovering the police are here to protect,
serve, and mentor them. After Sandy Hook, Corporal Scott Purvis
and I visited every classroom to address student concerns and
reassure them about our preparations for their safety.”
Supporting Literacy
Officer Scott Martin visits with young
Morgan Hill residents and their parent
while patrolling their neighborhood.
Officer Greg Dini reads to a
group of Morgan Hill students
during the National Read
Across America’s “Read In”
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The Morgan Hill Police Department was also active in another project to support education and student success in the schools.
In collaboration with the United Way, the Morgan Hill Unified
School District, and several local nonprofit social service agencies,
9 officers were among the 82 community members who participated in the 2014 “Read-In.”
March 4th was chosen as the date, which also coincides with
Dr. Seuss’s birthday and the national Read Across America program.
Volunteers visited every kindergarten through third grade classroom
to tell the students a little bit about themselves and why reading is
important to them. After sharing their personal stories, they read one
of their favorite books to the entire class. Each volunteer signed the
book and a special label was placed inside it before donating it to the
classroom library. The School Board has hailed this event as “a true
community effort that promoted the jo Hو