Allentown, PA (June 1, 2016) On Thursday, June 2, Allentown Police Officers will gather with South Mountain Middle School students who participated in APD’s L.I.F.E. Program to celebrate their success in the program. The event will be held at South Mountain Middle School’s Auditorium from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The students, who are part of the 21st Century After-School Program, had the added fortune of participating in APD’s L.I.F.E. Program – an Explorer-Post style mentoring after-school program designed to help prepare students for career readiness and young adulthood. The program, which is funded by APD and led by APD Officers, targets middle school students with academic, attendance, and disruptive behavior issues.
“The Allentown Police Department developed the L.I.F.E. Program to help bridge the gap between officers and middle school students,” explains Chief Keith Morris, Allentown Police Department. “We launched the program at South Mountain in February and are truly pleased that we have been able to connect these students with APD Officers as role-models and mentors. I think the students will benefit from this initiative for years to come and that’s what this program is all about.”
The program was incorporated as an enrichment component in the 21st Century After-School Program led by Communities In Schools of the Lehigh Valley.
Students met bi-weekly (2 times/month) and not only benefitted from CIS’s support services, but also built a foundation on such issues as: gang awareness; drug awareness; bullying and responsibilities; and how to work effectively on a team through group activities.
Chief Morris, Dr. Mayo and Mayor Pawlowski are scheduled to attend the June 2 celebration.
About Allentown School District
ASD serves more than 16,000 students in a network of 22 early childhood, elementary, middle and high schools located throughout the City of Allentown, PA. The Allentown School District is the third largest urban school district out of 500 districts in the Commonwealth. A shared vision of the community, parents, guardians, staff and faculty focuses on “Empowering Students for Life,” providing ASD students with the skills and academics they need to realize their aspirations whether they be college, career or technical focus. ASD goals are aligned and compatible with the Pathways to Success Framework while providing a balanced education to all students. Allentown School District employs approximately 2,200 teachers, staff and administrators. The District, founded in 1866 and celebrating its Sesquicentennial throughout 2015-2016, serves students from 43 countries speaking 26 languages with nearly 90 percent of households qualifying as low income. ASD is committed to providing safe learning environments in which all students have equal access to education programs and resources.
www.allentownsd.org
Information provided by:
Kimberly Golden Benner
Director of Communications
Allentown School District
