In tight-knit Warwick, it's sometimes difficult to distinguish the boundaries that exist between school and community. The issues that the school district faces also affect the community.

The Warwick School District's Resilience Community Event is an outreach program designed to further connect the two. It promotes open conversation that can lead to awareness, learning and quite possibly early intervention.

"Any school district in any town is the center of the community," said Carolyn Enigk, the Warwick School District's public relations and marketing coordinator. "When we're looking toward the future, we're looking at the kids, the next generation. The school is very much in the middle. The school only exists because we have families. We're kind of this central hub to connect people. I almost feel like this school is a bridge to the community."

This year's edition of the Warwick School District's Resilience Community Event will be presented on Thursday, Feb. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lititz Elementary School, 20 S. Cedar St. Some 100 individuals - teachers, administrators, parents, community members, business leaders, school board members and students - are expected to be there, and the event is free to attend.

"We're trying to combat some stigmas," said Enigk. "There are thousands of students who struggle with things like vaping, suicide ideation and depression. We're trying to offer parents information on what these issues look like, what we're seeing in school. It can be overwhelming for parents to keep up with these things."

"Each year, we change with the times," Enigk added. "Technology five or 10 years ago wasn't as prevalent as it is now. There was a time when not everyone had a computer. Now, every one of our students has their own device. We also have this unique tech gear that's enhancing their learning. Parents would not have had this technology when they were in school."

Expected to be presenting information on that Thursday are representatives of the Caron Foundation, emergency service personnel, the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, addiction specialists from Lancaster County Joining Forces and two Warwick School District technology integration coaches. Among the topics to be breached are risk behaviors, social media, vaping, drugs and alcohol and technology.

The event will be presented as five stations, and each attendee can sign up for two sessions.

"It's meant to reach a very wide spectrum," said Enigk. "It's open to whoever comes. The topics fall under a huge umbrella. It's for anyone who has a child, knows a child or could be impacted by these topics. Prevention ends up being so crucial in any of these instances. We want to educate students and families."

"It's also a good way to get to know the people in the district," she added. "There may be names you're hearing all the time, but maybe haven't met before."

Before expanding its scope in 2017, the Resilience Community Event's roots can be traced to Warwick's former Parents Night.

"As we grew, we realized this information isn't just for parents," said Enigk. "That's where the community aspect came in. Some of these topics can be very difficult and involve overcoming. Resiliency is building yourself back up again and overachieving obstacles. Nothing is ever too far gone."