New texting program is successful in Cheboygan County schools
CHEBOYGAN, MI -- The bell signals the end of school, but not the end of students problems.
That's why a Northern Michigan Sheriff's Deputy decided to take matters into his own hands.
One year ago, he began offering a text message help line.
Cheboygan County Sheriff's Deputy Ron Fenlon is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
He encourages students who have problems to contact him at any time and they have been.
In fact, he recently got an extended life battery for his phone.
In a modern day and age when cell-phones are the new definition of the old saying, "attached at the hip," it's likely you've seen a lot of kids playing on their phones.
Last year, Cheboygan County Sheriff's Deputy, and School Liaison officer, Ron Fenlon, knew it was time to take advantage of it.
"I do feel this has made a world of difference in the Cheboygan schools," said Fenlon.
Last March, Fenlon posted his cell-phone number in nine different Cheboygan County Schools. He said student problems don't stop when the final bell rings, and he wanted to create a program that could offer real help. Danielle Griswold said she texts him just about every day.
“Home issues, school issues with work, with drama at school, with things going on just with me," explained Griswold.
Her mother, Judy Jankoviak, said the program is working wonders.
“She can go there and get some advice I can give but she'll take it from him because he's not the parent," said Jankoviak.
According the Fenlon, whose phone rings non-stop with calls and texts, several kids reaching out for help.
"He’s definitely a brother, there's definitely brotherhood between us, it's amazing, he's like a member of the family," said student Ethan Passlacqua.
"The fact they have someone they can count on, someone they can anonymously contact or text," said Cheboygan Middle School Assistant Principal Mark Oberman.
“Your friends might want to give you the advice you want to hear, he will give you the advice you need," said Griswold.
"After hours, weekends, holidays, vacations, that one thank you from a parent, or that one thank you from a child, makes all the difference in the world," admitted Fenlon.
Fenlon said he wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of his wife and family.
But whenever he can help, he feels satisfied.
