By JENNA RHUDE
Moapa Valley Progress
Only a few weeks into the new school year and “Officer Jimmy”, as he introduces himself, has begun to make a lasting impression on the students and parents of Moapa Valley.
Exuberant and enthusiastic in his approach, Clark County School District Police Officer Jim Lescinsky has instituted “High Five Fridays” at Moapa Valley High School and “Knuckles Up Wednesday” at Mack Lyon Middle School. And every day, students around the communit are wearing a sticker badge given to them by their new friend, Officer Jimmy.
With enthusiasm, Officer Jimmy can be heard throughout the halls of the high school chanting, “It’s Friday!” with high fives accompanying the call. You can also find him early in the morning on school days, outside his truck on St. Joseph Street waving to parents and visiting with students as they proceed onto the high school grounds. Often during lunch times at the Middle School, Lescinsky has been a positive presence, visiting with kids and bumping knuckles with them.
“We are extremely appreciative of Officer Lescinsky’s efforts to build a rapport with our students,” said MVHS Principal Hal Mortensen. “He is proactive in the security of not only Moapa Valley High School, but all of the surrounding schools. He is meeting our parents at the Parent Advisory Committees, PTO’s and SOT meetings and seeking their feedback to improve the safety of our students.”
Not leaving out the two elementary schools in the valley, Officer Jimmy attended back to school night at Perkins before the school year even began. He visited with parents and posed for photos with students. He joked that he doesn’t usually need to kneel for a picture with the little ones, as he described himself as “vertically challenged”, or short.
“Having a sense of humor seems to help people feel more comfortable around me,” Officer Jimmy said.
Last week, the Progress caught up with Officer Jimmy at Grant Bowler Elementary as he visited with Mrs. Minogue’s kindergarten class.
“My kindergarten friends loved having Officer Jimmy visit our class,” Minogue said. “He read a few books and discussed the importance of being safe at home, in our school and in our community. I’m sure when my students see Officer Jimmy around our school in the future they will know he is a friend who is here to keep them safe!”
Parent Jennifer Adams approves of the police presence and the positive role model.
“Rave to our new school police officer, Officer Jim or as I tell my kids, ‘Officer Friendly’,” Adams said. “He is present in our schools, on the grounds, engaging with our children in positive and happy ways. He is visible. And he even came to our PTO meeting to introduce himself. Thank you for being a positive and proactive resource in our community.”
Overall Lescinsky’s positive approach and attitude seem to be helping gain the trust of the students and parents in the community.