North Texas

‘Blue Lunch Special' Builds Relationships Between Police, Students in North Texas

The Lewisville Independent School District is rolling out a new program to encourage stronger relationships between police officers and students.

The "Blue Lunch Special" allows uniformed officers to drop by any school within Lewisville ISD for a free lunch, or they can bring their own, to eat with students.

Matthew Garrett, director of safety and security for Lewisville ISD, said the district took a hint from other districts, like the Frisco Independent School District, that previously implemented similar programs.

"We started just to find a way for students and staff to communicate and develop relationships with police officers, and it's also a way to show appreciation to police departments for what they do and increase police visibility across our campuses," Garrett said.

While the program is in its beginning stages, the district hopes more officers will take advantage of the opportunity.

Carrollton Police Sgt. Joe Nault ate lunch with a group of students Wednesday at Hebron High School. The conversation entailed his job, spicy food and cooking – something students say helped them see Nault in a different light.

"Before he was just like an officer, but now I see him as more as a person with feelings," said student Adam Halimi.

"It was really fun. It really opened up my mind about what talking with an officer would be like," said student Madison Gilbert. "Usually people in our generation think officers are standoffish, especially with the media right now, it's definitely in the negative direction toward officers. But actually talking with him, it was really nice and eye opening."

The program also serves as a way to expose students to various career fields, according to Garrett.

"It was interesting," Nault said. "I was kind of concerned walking in here – are the kids going to shun you and stay away because of the uniform and all that? It's kind of interesting. A lot of kids responded well to it."

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