Staff and students of West Clayton Elementary School joined forces with Clayton Police Department’s Chief R.W. Bridges and the Special Operations Team to celebrate Students Against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E.) Day.
The school and the police department have worked together on the event every year since 2004, and this year there was a second item to celebrate. Allstate Insurance Company selected the school to receive a $1,000 grant supporting their SAVE Club and its non-violence, safety, and community focus activities.
Deputy Superintendent of Johnston County Schools Ross Renfrow and Johnston County Board of Education member Donna White were among the gathering of supporters who came to congratulate the school on its grant.
Clayton Public Information Officer Stacy Beard ate lunch with the students and voiced the town’s congratulations as well. Angela Clinard, President of the West Clayton PTA, and several other parents were also present during the presentation on Oct. 21.
Allstate’s Stephen Medlin brought greetings and congratulations from his company to keynote the fact that a Clayton elementary school has received a large grant that is usually reserved for middle and high schools. West Clayton has received smaller grants from Allstate twice over the past eleven years. This year the $1,000 grant application process was opened to elementary schools as well.
West Clayton is planning several club initiatives for the 2015-2016 school year with its “Adopt the Cops” program currently gaining popularity among the staff and students. With the support of Principal Kristina Benson, 21 teachers and the students they serve have volunteered to adopt members of the Clayton Police Department for the school year in order to promote mutual understanding, respect and appreciation.
Officers have received invitations to have lunch with and or visit their adoptive groups. Other opportunities for interaction will be presented throughout the school year. A bike safety rodeo is in the planning stages for the spring during National Youth Violence Prevention Week. Various contests and areas of focus will be supported by the grant monies throughout the year. Allstate also paid membership dues of $100 so that West Clayton Elementary can hold full club status with all the privileges pertaining to membership.
