Tiverton schools take the L.E.A.D.

New elementary program brings officers into the classroom

By Christian Siliva
Posted 1/23/25

Conflict resolution, working toward goals and avoiding violence — big things for first graders to think about, to be sure. But all are on the table as elementary-age Tiverton students began a …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Register to post events


If you'd like to post an event to our calendar, you can create a free account by clicking here.

Note that free accounts do not have access to our subscriber-only content.

Day pass subscribers

Are you a day pass subscriber who needs to log in? Click here to continue.


Tiverton schools take the L.E.A.D.

New elementary program brings officers into the classroom

Posted

Conflict resolution, working toward goals and avoiding violence — big things for first graders to think about, to be sure. But all are on the table as elementary-age Tiverton students began a 10-week course last week on the dangers of drugs and violence.

L.E.A.D, an acronym for Law Enforcement against Drugs and Violence, holds courses on the dangers of drugs and violent acts such as bullying, as well as learning about conflict resolution. Tiverton police officers will conduct lessons on each to first graders at all three Tiverton elementary schools, and the lessons began last week at the Ranger School.

The program is taught by Tiverton Police Department Lt. John LeDuc and School Resource Officer Jackie Smaldone, who have been trained to teach the curriculum.

“So, we lay the foundation in grade one and grade two,” LeDuc said. “Obviously as they get older, it’s a little bit more mature subject matters.”

The program focuses on basic topics focused on communication and conflict resolution that can be built upon as more mature topics are introduced later. They include peer pressure, which especially become important when drugs are introduced.

In one of the first classes, Ranger students were asked about the goals they have for the future. Officers also introduced a new character, Carmen the Cat, a puppet that LeDuc wore to help communicate with the children.

Later, they were given a booklet that included a variety of goals to work toward, from learning to dance and sports.

“I learned about not hurting other people,” first grader Kayden Breen said, and fellow student Mathew Bacon said the class made him want to set goals when it comes to one of his passions, writing about animals.

While there will not be mentions of harder drugs, some substances will be discussed with the children as the course continues.

2025 by East Bay Media Group

Barrington · Bristol · East Providence · Little Compton · Portsmouth · Tiverton · Warren · Westport
Meet our staff
MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.