Building Bridges Through Books at High Road School of Darien
High Road School of Darien students participated in Read Across America school activities, receiving a special visit from members of the Darien Police Department.
Sabrina Shirley, a social worker with the Darien PD, spent time reading with students in each classroom as part of Read Across America school activities. She brought several books for students to choose from, and in every class, students voted on which story they wanted to hear.
Among the favorites were “The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School” and “The World’s Best Class Plant”, both of which sparked interest, laughter, and great discussions.
“We have been working very hard to build a positive relationship with law enforcement and emergency services personnel so that our students understand their role in the community,” said Jolene Delaney, director of High Road School of Darien. “We want them to view these folks as a source of support and help, not something to be afraid of.”
Creating Meaningful Classroom Connections
During these Read Across America school activities, students were highly engaged, proudly presenting items from their desks, such as family photos, artwork, and their favorite fidgets. These interactions helped create a more comfortable and welcoming environment and allowed them to connect on a personal level. They also enjoyed sharing knowledge that they have about first responders and information about themselves.
“The purpose of my visit was to help students feel more at ease with law enforcement and police department personnel,” said Shirley. “My goal was to connect with them and explain my role as a social worker, with the hope that they would come away understanding that law enforcement and related personnel are here to support and help the community.”
In one of the classes, Shirley shared information about tools used by law enforcement, such as drones and a robotic device equipped with a camera that can open doors.
“I truly enjoyed my time at High Road and look forward to returning in the future to continue engaging with the students,” said Shirley.
Strengthening Community Partnerships Through Education
“Our students truly enjoyed having visitors in the building, and the experience reinforced the importance of community partnerships,” said Delaney. “We are grateful to the Darien Police Department and Ms. Sabrina Shirley for taking the time to connect with our students, answer their questions, and make Read Across America a memorable and meaningful event.” These Read Across America school activities created lasting connections between students and their community.
