There is a new school resource officer on the Dolores campus, and she is a longtime local.

Kaylee Green is a deputy with the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office specifically assigned to Dolores schools. She replaces David Van Bibber, who recently retired.

Green was born and raised in the county, and has been with the sheriff’s office for five years. She also worked as an officer for the Ute Mountain Ute tribal police force.

“I’m so excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to getting to know all the students and teachers,” she said in an interview on the first day of school.

Her approach will be to patrol the campus and listen to students in order to gain their trust.

“I want them to know I’m here to help with any problems they may be having or to just talk about things no matter how silly,” she said. “I’m here to keep the school safe.”

Some of the issues she will be watching out for are bullying and drugs-and-alcohol on campus.

Being on the alert for signs of depression or talk of suicide is also a big focus.

The issue has garnered more attention recently after two students, one in Dolores and one in Cortez, took their own lives last year.

“Any talk of a student wanting to hurt themselves will be addressed immediately,” Green said.

The campus has more counselors this year to respond to student behavioral problems, she said. A big focus for the school and Green is helping kids learn coping skills in order to better handle stress and depression.

“I have a straight-up, direct approach when talking with students, and I stay positive because a positive experience can change a student’s outlook,” she said.

Cyberbullying is becoming more of a problem for youths these days, Green said.

“Social media in general presents dangers kids may not be aware of, so it is important to educate them of the negative consequences of putting their personal information out there,” she said.

She plans to use assemblies, one-on-one discussions, and smaller group discussions to educate students about the hazards of drugs and alcohol, what to do if they are being bullied, and how to handle stress and resist negative peer pressure.

“As a parent, I know what kids are going through,” she said. “I’ll be a regular presence on campus and will be attending some school events and school board meetings.”

jmimiaga@the-journal.com