Kids & Cops
The Kids & Cops program provides positive after-school activities for at-risk Sandburg Middle School students while building relationships with police officers from the Golden Valley Police Department.
Positive Participation
Kids & Cops attempts to reduce at-risk indicators such as school absenteeism, anti-social behavior, and offenses such as vandalism, fighting, and drug use. The program strives to provide youth with six assets:
- adult resources
- friendship-making skills
- achievement motivation
- adult communication
- self-esteem
- involvement in community organizations or activities
The highest risk period for kids to get themselves in trouble is after school between 3 pm and 5 pm. Kids & Cops provides a supervised setting for kids during those hours and works to build positive relationships with kids that carry over outside school. The program also encourages respectful behavior and self control, which carries over into the school setting. To discourage poor behavior in school, kids who appear on the school discipline ISS roster are not allowed to attend Kids & Cops that day (the ISS roster includes ISS, SOS, gold cards, office referrals, lunch detention, etc).
Rules
To participate in the program, Kids & Cops kids must agree to:
- maintain a positive attitude
- respectfully follow all rules and directions given by staff members of Kids & Cops, Sandburg Middle School, and the YMCA
- follow all school bus rules, be respectful, and obey the driver
- understand that attending Kids & Cops and riding the activity bus is a privilege, and that all school rules and consequences apply
- participate willingly in all organized activities, and include all members who wish to participate
- work towards achieving personal goals, as well as goals set by teachers and Kids & Cops staff
- be safe at all times and not act in any way that could result in injury
- be on time and prepared to have fun
- not put down or disrespect others
- not swear or use inappropriate language
- work to appreciate differences and the diversity of others
Schedule
Kids & Cops meets October through May on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3 pm to 5 pm. Students meet in Sandburg’s Gym A for check-in. Because of the program’s popularity, the program must limit numbers on a first-come, first-served basis.
After attendance and announcements, students participate in activities at Sandburg, the Northwest YMCA in New Hope, or various locations in the community. Occasionally the group will hear educational speakers.
The Robbinsdale School District provides bus transportation to and from off-site activities. For example, at the Northwest YMCA, students can participate in gym activities, Teen Center, racquetball, games, study time, and more.
When the program is over, students normally go home on the 5 pm activity bus or must be picked up from the school by 5:15 pm. Any students waiting for rides after that time may be picked up in the lobby of the Golden Valley Police Department. Students unable to leave Sandburg by 5:15 pm are unable to participate in Kids & Cops.
Field Trips
Throughout the school year, students may be invited to participate in field trips based on good behavior in the program, teacher recommendations, and goals that have been met. Past outings include an indoor skate park, the Minnesota Zoo, and Twins and Timberwolves games.
Staff
Most of the advisors for Kids & Cops are police officers—typically four or five for a group of 60 kids. Sandburg teachers and support staff are always welcome to join in. Kids & Cops provides a great opportunity for students to get to know police officers and teachers in a fun and positive environment.
How To Sign Up
To join Kids & Cops, parents/guardians must complete a permission slip and emergency contact information sheet. Students must read and sign a participant agreement. Completed forms can be returned to the School Resource Officer in room 117.
Sponsors
The Kids & Cops program is a partnership between the Golden Valley Police Department and the Northwest YMCA, and it is funded by donations. Primary donors include the Golden Valley VFW Post 7051, the Golden Valley Optimist Club, the Golden Valley Crime Prevention Fund, and the Golden Valley Police Department.
The Robbinsdale School District supports Kids & Cops by providing transportation to and from the Northwest YMCA.
For More Information
For more information, or to refer a kid to the Kids & Cops program, contact the Sandburg School Resource Officer at 763-504-8217 or mpersons@ci.golden-valley.mn.us, or stop by room 117 just inside the school’s main entrance.
