An innovative program being taught by Menands police officers is helping Menands School students make the right decisions in life, whether it’s in their educational or personal lives.
Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence, better known by the acronym LEAD, is in its second year at the school. Initially, the program was launched for Menands students in grades two and five with assistance from a grant secured from the LEAD organization, but it was expanded this year to include third grade.
The goal of the program, LEAD organizers said, is to “create safer, healthier communities, schools, youths, and teens, with substance use prevention, anti-bullying, and violence reduction initiatives throughout our country and ultimately the world.”
Through the LEAD program, students learn what it takes to set reachable goals, learn to stop and consider the consequences (good & bad) before making decisions, learn how to identify and manage emotions, learn how to manage stress, learn how to communicate effectively, learn how build deeper lifelong relationships and friendships with their classmates. Students also learn about differences between prescription and over-the-counter medications, the effects of alcohol, the effects of nicotine and vaping. In 5th grade students also learn about the negative effects of marijuana usage.
“It’s been a fantastic initiative,” said Superintendent Jennifer Cannavo. “[Community Resource Officer P.J. Stone] has been great and the students have been very responsive.”
Officer Stone is the face of the program at Menands, working with Cannavo, the administration, faculty and staff to build it. The Menands Police Department administration and other officers have been integral to the program’s success. Those include officer Josh Kullman, who often joins Stone in teaching all three grade levels LEAD classes. Another Menands police officer, Joe Yanni, will be attending the second LEAD training the Menands Police Department is hosting with a goal of becoming certified in August, Stone said. All of the officers who teach LEAD are also certified NYS school resource officers.
“I really enjoy being able to get to know the students who attend Menands School on a deeper level, while making connections with them in the classroom. Especially, having the second graders from last year again and seeing the growth they have made,” Stone said.
LEAD uses the Mendez Foundations’ “Too Good for Drugs” substance abuse program to guide students in their social-emotional development and “to promote positive, pro-social attitudes and behaviors, while fostering healthy relationships, resistance to substance abuse and conflict, as well as resistance to negative peer pressure and influences,” Stone said.
Stone added that he finds the students are “really engaged” and that parents are also involved in the program.
“The program includes homework that the instructors would like to be signed by a parent. This ensures that the parents understand what we are covering in the classroom with their children. Parents can build off of the lessons we are teaching in school and add those skills to their toolboxes for the future as well,” Stone said. “I believe it truly takes a Village to raise the next generation and set them up for success once they leave our building.”
Beyond Menands
The LEAD program based out of New Jersey got its start in New York locally in Menands, but quickly spread to other departments.
Menands Police Chief Ryan St. Gelais and Lieutenant Kevin Schwebke attended the national LEAD conference in October 2023, and embraced the program, Stone said.
In November of 2023, the Menands Police Department hosted the first LEAD instructor course in New York State with School Resource Officers attending from surrounding areas—(Scotia, Colonie and Niskayuna—as well as outside the region from Saranac Lake to Buffalo.) Officer Stone and Officer Kullman both attended the LEAD Instructor course.
Students and teachers praise the program
“LEAD is my favorite thing in school. It is so fun! LEAD helps us avoid drugs and helps us be safe and aware of our surroundings. All of the officers are so kind. LEAD is the best,” said Menands 3rd grade student Nora Lemyre who is in her second year of having Officers teach LEAD.
Another third grade student Jessie Thomas echoed those sentiments. “I like LEAD because it’s fun and helps us and it helps us learn. I like to learn with Officer Stone.”
“I like how the program is interactive and scenario based. This allows students the opportunity to act out and become familiar with situations they may face. The program equips students with resources for making positive and healthy choices when faced with difficult choices in their lives. ” says Jayme Keppler, a second grade teacher in Menands.
Samantha Hall, another second grade teacher in Menands said, “The LEAD Program is an excellent way for our students to learn essential skills that will help them well beyond the classroom. They learn the importance of setting goals for themselves and how they can resolve conflicts in different ways.”
Fifth grade teacher Rachel McQuade said, “LEAD is very interactive, allowing students the opportunity to act out situations, play games, etc. I also like how students can see real world scenarios they may face one day.”