Sheriff's Office C.H.A.M.P.S. Program Launches At Decatur School

DECATUR, GA Fifth graders at DeKalb’s Toney Elementary School are probably the only students whose teacher is a deputy sheriff – and a professional juggler. That’s because DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann last week started the agency’s first C.H.A.M.P.S. program there. An acronym for Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety, C.H.A.M.P.S. is a successful education program founded in 2003 for Georgia sheriffs’ offices to address the critical social issues faced by young people.

“Our mission is to provide an educational program for Georgia’s youth which provides guidance and the skills, ability and knowledge to be safe, healthy, and happy in preparation for a successful life,” said Mann. “Deputy Keith McNeil will be our representative in the community. He is a certified instructor for this 12-week program who is also experienced in guiding and mentoring young people in the DeKalb community. As a popular juggler off duty, he relates well with young people.”

At Toney Elementary School in Decatur, McNeil will teach classes that can help them thrive as they move into adolescence. Class topics include the harmful effects of alcohol and drug use; bullying; the consequences of good and bad decisions; avoiding gang activity; managing peer pressure; coping with stress; and, avoiding violent behavior in conflict resolution.

Parents are encouraged to participate through a class workbook project and discussions on lessons learned. The program is scheduled to launch at Rock Chapel Elementary after Labor Day.

The C.H.A.M.P.S. program is offered statewide by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association and underwritten by participating sheriff’s offices.