Michigan State Police troopers teach first-graders valuable safety tips
(Photo Courtesy/Mike Beiermeister) Trooper Ashley Simpson discusses important safety tips for first-graders at Ella White Elementary on Tuesday afternoon.
Alpena — First-graders and junior kindergartners at Ella White Elementary had a few special visitors in their classroom on Tuesday afternoon.
Two members of Michigan State Police’s Alpena Post discussed tips for safety with the students. Trooper Ashley Simpson described the importance of gun safety, stranger danger, and finding trusting adults to console in if any problems should arise. The kids also got the chance to learn a little bit about what it takes to be a police officer.
“She [Trooper Simpson] talked to us a little bit about what education it takes to be a police officer so, that gets kids thinking beyond elementary school and the classroom and I love that when we can do that,” said First-Grade Teacher Amy Weide.
Troopers stop by the classroom every year to provide these helpful tips. Kids had to take a mini quiz to show what lessons they learned from the presentation. The MSP troopers also showed the kids their belt and described what each tool was and how it is used. At the end, badge stickers were handed out to the kids in hopes of inspiring a few new officers down the line.
