New Partnership Alerts Central Islip Schools When Students Experience Trauma: Sheriff

CENTRAL ISLIP, NY — The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office has expanded its “Handle With Care” initiative to the Central Islip Union Free School District, creating a new partnership designed to help faculty better support students who may have experienced traumatic events outside of school, officials announced.

The program, which was first piloted with the Huntington School District in September 2025, is designed to ensure schools are discreetly notified when a child may have been exposed to a traumatic, law-enforcement-related incident outside of the classroom.

Through the partnership, the Sheriff’s Office will notify designated school officials whenever a child is present at the scene of an incident. No details of the event will be shared — only the address and the phrase, “Handle With Care.”

School personnel can then be aware that a student may need additional patience, understanding, or support during the school day.

Once notified, educators may respond with classroom accommodations such as flexibility with assignments or testing, or connect families with additional support services when needed.

“The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is proud to expand this program to another school district and partner with the Central Islip School District,” Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. said. “We have seen firsthand that this program gives us a simple, confidential way to help children who may need extra patience and compassion because of a situation at home.”

Toulon added that he hopes to continue expanding the program across Suffolk County “ensuring that children are supported with care.”

Central Islip Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sharon A. Dungee said the district welcomes the partnership.

“Our school district is extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to partner with the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office to implement the department's ‘Handle With Care’ initiative,” Dungee said. “This will provide school officials with additional insight during instances when students may need a little extra understanding and guidance as they navigate their school day.”

The Sheriff’s Office already maintains an ongoing partnership with the district, which serves as the flagship district for its Student Ambassador Program — an initiative aimed at building trust and outreach between law enforcement and students.

Officials noted that deputies frequently interact with children during civil actions, warrant service, traffic stops, and community events — situations that may be stressful for young people and affect their behavior or academic performance.

The “Handle With Care” program ensures schools are made aware when support may be needed, without sharing sensitive details about the incident.

The Sheriff’s Office plans to expand the program to additional school districts in the coming months, officials said.