Printer Friendly Version - Students Walk for EHPD and Youth Athletics

Grove J. Tuttle Elementary School Student Council held a walk-a-thon to raise funds for the East Haven Police Athletic League on April 14. Students raised $1,100 to donate as a thank you for the support and security provided by the police department. Photo by Wesley Bunnell/The Courier

On the eve of their spring break, students at Grove J. Tuttle Elementary School walked from the school to East Haven Town Hall to recognize the friendship between Tuttle and the police department.

The walk-a-thon, which took place on April 14, was organized by the Tuttle Student Council to raise funds for the East Haven Police Department’s Athletic League and its officers who have interacted with students and made them feel safe at school. Unexpected heat the week of the walk-a-thon and the beaming sun did not stop Tuttle students and staff from making their trip to the town hall and back and giving thanks to officers.

“Our students decided to promote this organization as a direct result of the East Haven Police being more present in our buildings this year,” said Jeanna Pierpon-Grayson, a fifth-grade teacher at Tuttle.”

The Student Council raised $1,100 for the athletic league, far surpassing their initial goal of raising $300, according to Peirpont-Grayson. EHPD Officer Ryan Michalowski, a frequent Tuttle visitor, volunteered to allow students to shave his head if they reached the $300 goal.

“What they do is fund kids who don’t have the money for equipment, rec[reational] fees, all that type of stuff,” said Michalowski. “So that’s what they ended up doing; they ended up raising $1,100.”

Michalowski has become very familiar with the students and staff at Tuttle and has seen that he has helped to make for a safe environment at the school.

“I try to come in here at least twice a week. When I first came here, the kids were really warm. A bunch of teachers were really inviting, and plus, with everything going on in the world, I think everybody feels a little bit safer with a police officer being in the building,” said Michalowski.

Michalowski said Tuttle students are very excited when he comes to the building, greeting him and hugging him when they see him, while he enjoys talking with them as well.

“I’m like a cool uncle,” he said. “Everybody seems to enjoy me being here, and I love being here. It’s like the best part of my job.”