Suffolk Sheriff’s Office Launches New 10-Week School Program For 6th Graders

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. has launched a new school initiative designed to help middle school students develop leadership and life skills.

The program, called SKILLS — Sheriff’s Kids Improving Leadership and Life Skills, will replace the GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) program, which the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office has taught in schools across the county for nearly two decades.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the new initiative was developed internally to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and young people while helping students make positive decisions and stay on the right path.

“We are excited to launch this brand new program aimed at assisting our youth in making good choices and empowering them to be leaders among their peers,” Toulon said. “The Sheriff’s Office has a robust presence in our school districts, and this initiative will further strengthen our relationship with the young men and women of our county. By developing this program in-house, we can keep the curriculum fresh, relevant, and inclusive of new trends.”

The 10-week curriculum is designed for sixth-grade students and began rolling out this week in the William Floyd and Brentwood school districts.

Officials said the new program allows the Sheriff’s Office to update lessons more frequently to reflect the evolving challenges facing today’s youth.

The curriculum focuses on developing communication skills, building self-respect and respect for others, and encouraging positive behaviors to prevent bullying. Students will also learn about healthy and unhealthy social media use, internet safety, and how to identify trusted adults when they need support.

Other lessons address recognizing and responding to cyberbullying, understanding peer pressure, and practicing decision-making and goal-setting skills. Students will also discuss emerging issues such as vaping and strategies for resisting negative influences.

In addition, the program teaches empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution, while helping students identify anger triggers and practice calming techniques.

Developing the program in-house also allows the Sheriff’s Office to train instructors internally. Previously, training officers to teach the GREAT program required sending them away for certification or hosting outside training sessions, which could cost thousands of dollars.

With SKILLS, instructors can now be trained during regular in-service sessions, significantly reducing expenses while expanding the program’s reach in Suffolk County schools.

Officials say the new program reflects the Sheriff’s Office’s continued commitment to building strong connections with students and supporting youth development across the county.