GENTRY, AR — Flashing lights, blaring sirens and emergency vehicles provided an exciting backdrop for an important lesson in safety Friday morning as Gentry Primary School hosted its Safety Extravaganza, giving students an opportunity to meet local first responders and learn more about their work.
Students received an up-close look at emergency vehicles and equipment while meeting the officers, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency personnel who respond when people in the community need help. The event combined hands-on learning with an opportunity for students to become more familiar with the people behind the uniforms and badges.
Andrea Folger, Gentry Primary School principal, said helping young students understand emergency safety is an important part of preparing them to recognize potential dangers and respond appropriately.
“It's important for our students to begin learning about emergency safety at an early age and to understand who they can turn to when they need help,” Folger said. “Having these first responders here gives our students an opportunity to ask questions, see the vehicles and equipment they use, and build familiarity with the people who work every day to protect our community. We want our students to feel safe, know that help is available and understand the important role these men and women play in our lives.”
The event also gave students an opportunity to connect classroom safety lessons with real-world experiences. By seeing emergency vehicles firsthand and interacting with the professionals who operate them, students could gain a better understanding of the work involved in responding to emergencies and serving the community, Folger said.
For Gentry's youngest Pioneers, those connections can help make an unfamiliar or potentially frightening situation feel more manageable, according to Mark Scott, Gentry's Director of Community Engagement. Recognizing the people who arrive to help during an emergency is one way schools can reinforce safety awareness while building trust between students and the community professionals who serve them,
"We sincerely appreciate the Gentry Police Department, Gentry Fire Department and Pafford EMS, along with all the officers, firefighters, paramedics and other first responders who participated in the Safety Extravaganza," Scott said.
The school also recognized Folger and her staff for organizing the event and creating an engaging educational experience for students.
The Safety Extravaganza reflects Gentry Public Schools' commitment to helping students learn, grow and develop the knowledge and confidence they need both inside and outside the classroom.
Through partnerships with local emergency personnel, Gentry Primary is helping its youngest students understand that behind every flashing light and blaring siren are people dedicated to keeping their community safe.