HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — A Hernando County Sheriff's Office deputy is working on taking a course about respecting themselves and others for elementary school students to the virtual realm. 

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office "ROAR" program — Respect Others And youRself — gives third, fourth, and fifth graders all the tools to do just what the program title says.

Deputy Sheriff Maryjean Van Syckle of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office puts the lessons together.

“In the earlier lessons, we start out with simple things like what the roles of a deputy are," Van Syckle explained.

She added that initially the program is taught in person by a School Resource Officer. However, due to COVID-19 she's preparing a virtual version of the course.

“We wanted to figure out a way to get it out there so that the kids could still get their ROAR lessons being outside of school,” Van Syckle said.

Desiree Morning, who's a mom to fifth grader Ally Hemley, said she appreciates that additional effort.

“Especially with us being able to help her get on, to navigate on how to do that and learn somewhat of what the sheriff office does for students as well as adults, being that they cannot do it live,” Morning said.

Van Syckle went on to say now is a great time for a program like this.

“I think now more than ever it’s important for the kids to know that we are here to protect them," she said.

The program also has a Facebook page, which children can access with the help of a parent and find different unique and exciting activities on how to "crack the code", protect themselves and others, and maybe even how to prevent crime.