Peekskill Police and School District Partner for Back to School Event

The City of Peekskill Police Department and Peekskill City School District have once again teamed up to host their Second Annual Real Talk Tailgate Party on August 30, from noon until 4 p.m. at Peekskill High School. The back to school event, which coincides with Freshman Orientation, is part of a collaborative program between the two agencies and is designed to improve relations between the Peekskill Police Department and the community, using Peekskill High School students as catalysts.

Thanks to the Real Talk program, local police officers will visit PHS classrooms throughout the school year to engage students in roundtable conversations on a variety of stimulating topics. The program is designed to build relationships between police officers and students by breaking down barriers and allowing students and police the opportunity to see each other from a different perspective.

Highlights of the tailgate party will include a barbecue cookout for the incoming freshman class and their families, hosted by Peekskill police officers. In addition, the day will also feature games and other activities that will present officers and students with the opportunity to bond in a fun, casual atmosphere.

The event is being sponsored by the Peekskill Police Benevolent Association, as well as several community businesses including: The Peekskill Rotary, Stop and Shop, Wal-Mart, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Shop Rite, Walgreens and PepsiCo.

For additional information contact Peekskill High School Assistant Principal Kent Picou at Kpicou@peekskillcsd.org, or City of Peekskill Police Chief Eric Johansen at Ejohansen@peekskillpolice.com .

PHOTOS:

A Peekskill police officer enjoys a game of Frisbee with two incoming PHS freshmen at last year’s Real Talk tailgate party.

Peekskill Police grill hamburgers and hot dogs at the 2015 Real Talk tailgate party.