At Eagle View Elementary, community partnerships aren’t just a nice idea — they’re a meaningful part of daily life. Principal Adam Dittberner describes the school’s collaboration with the Elko New Market Police Department as “a true partnership,” one rooted in consistency, shared values, and a genuine investment in students’ well-being.
What began as a simple presence at pick-up and drop-off has grown into something much more impactful. Today, officers are familiar faces in the school community — from eating lunch with students and sharing “joke of the week” videos, to participating in lockdown drills and emergency planning.
“One of our most popular rewards through our SOAR program is lunch with a police officer,” Dittberner shared. “Kids get to invite a couple of friends, wear police hats and badges, and sit down at a special table with an officer. They love it — and more importantly, they’re building personal, positive relationships.”
The partnership has brought officers into classrooms and school events, including family fun nights, and even added a real-world twist to school fundraisers — offering police car rides as prizes. It’s a collaboration marked not just by visibility, but by meaningful connection. “We’ve probably had over 100 students sit down and talk one-on-one with an officer this year,” Dittberner said. “That’s something I never had growing up.”
Safety remains at the heart of the partnership. The police department works closely with school staff on evacuation plans and lockdown procedures. “They’ve helped us think through logistics — where to go, how to respond — and they’ve done it with care and proactivity,” Dittberner said. “It’s not just about showing up in an emergency, it’s about being ready together.”
But perhaps most importantly, this partnership is shifting perspectives. Students aren’t just seeing officers as enforcers — they’re seeing them as part of their support system. “It’s not about punishment. It’s about helping kids make better decisions,” Dittberner said. “And the more adults we can surround them with who reinforce that, the better.”
The consistency and approachability of the Elko New Market PD has strengthened the sense of community not just among students, but also families. “At our events, parents are seeing their kids run up to high-five an officer they know from school. That speaks volumes,” Dittberner added.
Looking ahead, Dittberner’s goal is to maintain this steady, balanced relationship. “We don’t want it to feel overwhelming. We want it to stay authentic. That means continuing to find the right ways to work together, and keeping the door open for new ideas.”
In a small town like Elko New Market, partnerships like this one make all the difference — reminding students, families, and staff alike that it truly does take a village.