Nassau County Police Give Pair Of Safety Presentations At Berner Middle School

MASSAPEQUA, NY. — Berner Middle School gym classes took a time out from physical education this week, focusing instead on safety presentations delivered by Nassau County police officers Lauren David and Christa Duscharme. The presentations, given to classes Friday and Monday, focused specifically on digital and bicycle safety.

District officials said the presentations included explanations of digital citizenship and the potential dangers of social media, during which the officers urged students to consider the footprint their online actions create and the perpetuity in which they will exist. While the officers noted that social media can keep people informed and allow them to interact with each other, district officials said they also discussed privacy settings with the students, urging them to take proper precautions to remain safe online.

“The recent assemblies focusing on safe and respectful social media use, bullying
and bicycle safety reflect our shared commitment to student well-being and leadership
development,” Dean of Students Kristen Meoli said. “These efforts align with the Profile of a Massapequa Learner and Leader, which represents our vision to provide a rigorous education that fosters critical thinking, character, leadership, confidence and resilience.”

The Profile of a Massapequa Learner and Leader is the Massapequa School District’s “community inspired vision for Massapequa’s future,” Superintendent William Brennan said in a statement announcing the program. Part of that vision, the district said, is to develop every student into a, “competent, educated and well-rounded individual, embodying the highest standards of character, leadership and citizenship.”

At the end of the presentations, the officers led an additional discussion about bike safety, during which the officers addressed community concerns regarding bike safety, and reminded the Berner students of rules and regulations on bike riding. After a question and answer session, the presentations concluded.

For Meoli, the event was emblematic of a series of strong community bonds that will help develop Berner students into upstanding adults.

“Together with our families, community officials and local law enforcement, we will continue to guide Massapequa students toward becoming thoughtful, respectful and informed citizens,” Meoli said.