Did you know that we have seen an increase in the number of Juvenile DUIs in Douglas County during the last few months? As a parent, I understand we can’t know what our kids are doing all the time. But it is important to talk to them about the risks of drinking, especially drinking and driving. As some of our students are attending end of the school year parties here and there, and prom at different schools, it is important to remind them about how to be safe.
I’ve talked to several parents about what conversation they’ve had with their kids regarding drinking and driving. The majority of them said one particular thing in common: we have a plan! Given that my kids are still very young to even walk out of the house by themselves, I was not sure about “the plan.” Having a plan consisted on telling their kids that if for some reason they were in a place where they had anything to drink, and they were in possession of a vehicle, all they needed to do was text or call and say, “I made a mistake. I can’t drive home, please pick me up.” This plan can save lives. We all make mistakes, but it is important to help our children understand that some mistakes can have life lasting consequences, and some mistakes can be simply corrected. Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol could affect someone’s life forever.
On a different note, I want to let you know that I put some information around the school about the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Youth Academy. The Youth Academy will take place during the month of June. This year, besides having our usual Youth Academy for High School students, we will be offering Youth Academies for Middle School and Elementary School students too (every year we offer Youth Academy for High School students only). These academies will be presented by the DCSO School Resource Officers.
Students will receive instruction from law enforcement officers and other instructors. This experience will provide the students a fun insight to what law enforcement is truly about. There will be a ceremony of completion for the students on the last day of the academy. Some of the topics that may be covered are:
-Criminal Investigations
-Patrol Operations
-Jail Operations
-Firearms Safety
-Criminal Law
-Dispatch and 911
-Forensics
-Traffic Accident Investigations
If your student is interested in applying, please have him/her contact me directly at school and I will guide them through the application process. If you prefer, you can also scan the QR Code included in the pamphlet below. Parent permission is a must. The student will have to successfully pass a background check investigation. This year the Youth Academy is FREE!! I really hope to see some of the students from STEM there. It is a great experience and I highly recommend it.
Thank you for your continuous support. Let’s keep working hard to keep our students safe! I am very thankful for having the opportunity to be part of your student’s story. If you have questions about anything, please email me at gabe.uribe@stemk12.org and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Hug your loved ones…smile to a stranger…
GO SPARTANS!
Be safe!
Deputy Gabe
