The ‘High Five Friday’ program will no longer be a part of the school day for students in Northampton, Massachusetts

Advertisement Police program at elementary schools suspended amid public concern The ‘High Five Friday’ program will no longer be a part of the school day for students in Northampton, Massachusetts Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A program that involved police officers giving high-fives to students as they entered the school building every Friday morning has been suspended at a Massachusetts school district. After the idea was presented at the International Association of Chiefs of Police, members of the Northampton Police Department began the ‘High-Five Friday’ program last December after consulting with the school district’s superintendent. The goal was for officers to visit four of the district’s elementary schools once a month. The department says that while they received support for the program, there was also a concern from some community members. Police Chief Jody Kasper attended a school committee meeting, where the concern was raised that some students may feel uncomfortable with having a police presence to start their school day. A follow-up meeting was held with members of the community. The department says some concerns that came out the second meeting included those concerned for minority students, undocumented children, or any children who may have had negative experiences with police. After the meeting Chief Kasper met with Northampton School Superintendent Dr. John Provost where it was decided to stop the program. In a post to their Facebook page, the department says that as much as the officers enjoyed greeting the kids at school, “e cannot overlook the fact that this program may be received differently by some members of our community. Most importantly, we want kids to arrive at school enthusiastic and ready to learn!” Reactions to the program’s cancellation in the Massachusetts town have been mixed. “I wouldn’t want my kid to be scared to go to school every day. If kids are scared of the police officers, they should think of something else to do, maybe like some kind of presentation for the kids about what police officers do," Anisa Schardl told WGGB. Some Facebook users have voiced their opinions on the matter on the Northhampton Police Department’s page. proud of our police department, officers, and chief, and the many ways in which they reach out to the community everyday,” said one Facebook user. It is not known when a replacement program will be implemented, but WGGB reports that police look forward to creating a new program with the school district.