VHEC partners with fire and police department

At Vestavia Hills Elementary Central, the school learning community includes educators, students, parents and community partners who work together toward school improvement initiatives that enhance students’ learning opportunities.

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department and Police Department have been instrumental in improving the overall atmosphere within the school, strengthening families throughout the community and invigorating community support through their involvement in local events. Their direct involvement with VHEC has brought about an increase in student achievement and success. Each school in the Vestavia School System has a full-time school resource officer on-site. 

 “Students respect our school resource officer but also view him as a friend and helper,” said Marian Humphries, principal at VHEC.

In April, the Vestavia Hills Fire Department and Police Department sent representatives to read and have lunch with several of our fourth and fifth grade classes. They discussed school safety and opened the door for questions about the services they provide to the Vestavia Community. 

When asked, “What do you like most about having the firemen and policemen visit your school?” fourth grade student Russell Luccasen responded, “They are heroes who save people so it is really cool that they want to take time out of their day to hang out with us. They make us feel safe.”  

Other events in which the Vestavia Fire and Police Departments have partnered with VHEC include speaking to the Character Club, being guest speakers for the Communication Celebration, and assisting with the end of the year fifth grade party and Central Play Day.  

-Submitted by Kellie Wigley