NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Brayton Elementary students and city police officers worked together to make a giant wreath for the police station.

 

Last week, 40 students in Grade 6 worked with officers "hand in hand" to make the giant wreath out of paper hand cutouts. 

 

"They are cutting out handprints and making one big wreath," teacher Donna Sadlowski said. "They wrote their names on each one and some have holiday greetings ... I think it is a good way to show that we are one community and we work together."

 

Sadlowski said "Cops and Kids Working Together Hand in Hand" is another project focused on fostering a relationship between the North Adams Police Department and city youth.

 

"We want them to see that the police are their friends and they shouldn’t be afraid of them," she said. "This shows the North Adams Police and the youth working hand in hand together."

 

Lt. Jason Wood said the wreath will be hung right in the lobby, so everyone can see it.

 

He added that it is important to stay connected with students.

 

"Like always we are trying to keep connected with them and keep building those bonds," he said. "We have to be consistent because as years pass by there are new kids and new faces."