CCS preschoolers in Sutton build bridges with Alaska State Troopers

SUTTON — Two CCS Early Learning Headstart classrooms had a special visit from the Alaska State Troopers as a kick off to the Books Building Bridges program. Inside Sutton Elementary School, about 30 preschoolers sat in a semi-circle to listen to Sgt. Freddie Wells read “Police Officers on Patrol” by Kersten Hamilton. With the book as an aid, Wells explained what it means to be a police officer. The children were also deputized by Capt. Anthony April, and had badges to prove it. CCS adopted this national program to help instill a sense of trust and humanity with local law enforcement, so that the children can build a positive image in their minds.

“We are so lucky to have them here because some of these kids have only seen the police take their parents away,” said Vernell Whitney, center coordinator for CCS Early Learning in Sutton.

CCS has several offices across the Valley and in one Chugiak. They have two classrooms inside Sutton Elementary. They recently took on the Books Building Bridges program, which just started across the nation a month ago. In 1982, President Reagan proclaimed October as National Headstart Awareness Month. The Books to Bridges program began across the nation just a month ago. Before this, they had one presentation in Meadow Lakes. According to Mark Lackey, Executive Director for CCS Early Learning, the goal is to have one presentation at each center. He said CCS plans to make it a regular event, taking place at least once a year. The toughest part is coordinating with the local law enforcement’s windows of availability.

“They’re jobs aren’t easy to schedule. 911 happens when it happens,” Lackey said.

These types of events are important to Wells and April. They both felt that this was a great way to connect with the community. Before working in the Valley, Wells served in Tok, Glennallen and Fairbanks. He said that he participated in similar programs in each area.

“I think I’ve gotten pretty used to kids,” Wells said. “They’re important, they’re our future generations.”

Wells has seven children of his own so he knows how to handle large groups of energetic young ones. He said that reaching the children at this age is important because they are “so honest, and like little sponges.”

“They did a really good job with engaging with the kids too and that’s not easy to do,” Lackey said.

As Wells read the book, he explained what being a police officer was all about. He talked about their uniform, their equipment, and what they do all day, from catching bad guys and helping lost children. He even gave a live demonstration with his walkie-talkie. This was met with much excitement and applause.

“Mat-Com, radio check. … 10-4,” Wells said after getting the all clear from dispatch.

They brought some goodies for the children, including a talking trooper hat, heat sensitive, color changing pencils, and Junior Trooper badges. At the end, they gathered for a group photo. As an added bonus, the kids got a chance to race the Wells in the gym.

“It was cute and funny and entertaining,” said Serena Lee, CCS Early Learning Executive Assistant. “He’s very good he could be a preschool teacher.”

According to Whitney, the teachers work every day on literacy, helping the children gain an understanding on what’s around them. This event ties in with their working education on safety and the parts that makes community operate, like doctors and firemen.

“It was amazing. It was so wonderful to have those positive interactions with the law enforcement. It’s important for the kids to see that police are people too. They also did a good job with connecting to the kids on an individual level and made a special moment for each one,” Lackey said.

April was impressed by group of children, saying they were very attentive. He noticed as Wells continued the story, the children moved closer to him. To April, this was a good sign that the children were comfortable and Wells was making a positive connection.

“It’s great when you have an officer interact with the kids in a positive manner, not just when someone is getting taken away,” April said.

April is also a member of National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE). He said that community outreach programs like Books Building Bridges are essential to build trust and form strong bonds with communities, not just urban areas like Anchorage but even more rural areas like Sutton.

Toward the end of storytime, Wells did a round of questions and answers. He explained himself a bit and the story of how he donned his badge.

“I wanted to be a police officer when I was little like you!” Wells said.

“And now you’re all grow’d up!” one child exclaimed.