Successfully preparing all Kent School District students for their futures is only possible thanks to the support and engagement of our families, staff, and community. Throughout the holiday season, hundreds of our families received gifts and other holiday assistance at outreach events, like shop with a cop, while having the opportunity to meet and develop positive relationships with members of local law enforcement agencies. 

“Students and families may have different experiences with law enforcement agencies in our community,” said Chris Kunzelman, the attendance secretary at Scenic Hill Elementary School. “Some families may have only interacted with them in negative situations or have members of their family in the Regional Justice Center nearby, so this is a great opportunity for them to have positive interactions with law enforcement.” 

During an event at Scenic Hill on December 17, tables in the cafeteria were piled with toys, games, and blankets donated by employees of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Seattle Field Division. 

Almost 50 families were invited to the event to select gifts for their 126 children.

“We’ve done similar events like this in the past,” Kunzelman said. “But the great thing about this year is families can choose gifts for all of their children, not just those who go to our school.” 

A dozen DEA employees donated their time to help parents find gifts while Scenic Hill staff members led games and activities in a nearby classroom to help keep the gifts a surprise for the children. 

“This event is a true collaboration between our school and our community,” explained Scenic Hill’s Principal Harjeet Sandhu Fuller. “We’ve given students toys to take home before, but this way we’re giving our parents an essential role in the process and reinforcing we really care about their families.” 

After picking out their gifts, parents could have them wrapped and enter a raffle to win one of the larger donated gifts, like an electric scooter. 

“They are going to be so excited,” Rosalinda Lopez said while watching a teacher wrap gifts for her two children. “Thank you for helping our family.” 
 

Article Source: Kent Meridian High School