By: Richard L. Smith
It won’t be your typical Friday afternoon at Lafayette Street School. On October 24, the playground will transform into a soccer field as Newark Police officers take on Lafayette Street School students in a friendly but competitive game called “Kick’n It With the Cops.”
The event, scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., promises to be more than just a match—it’s a chance for students and officers to connect outside of the classroom and the community beat. 
Organizers hope the playful atmosphere will spark conversations, build trust, and give everyone in attendance a chance to cheer.
While the Newark Police team is expected to bring energy and experience, Lafayette’s students are confident they’ll have the home-field advantage and maybe even hand the officers a surprise defeat. 
Either way, the evening is shaping up to be filled with laughs, teamwork, and plenty of goals.