Lenox’s Morris Elementary School Students Foster Relationships with Local First Responders

LENOX — Principal Brenda Kelley is delighted to share that Morris Elementary students in Grades 1 and 4 fostered positive relationships with local first responders by making signs and preparing treats for them in the spirit of kindness. 

Grade 1 Teacher Shannon O’Brien and Grade 4 Teacher Francine Shelhamer’s classes partner each month as “buddy classes” to share kindness, which acts as the foundation of the Morris school community. 

O’Brien, who grew up in Lenox, and Shelhamer, whose son grew up in Lenox and is a graduate of LMMHS, share a fondness for the community. In their plans for the buddy classes, they wanted their students to see that even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference. 

Knowing that many members of the Lenox Police and Fire Departments are graduates of Lenox and that their children are following in their footsteps, O’Brien and Shelhamer wanted to do something to give back.

Students were each asked to bring a few pieces of fruit to the classroom to give to the first responders. O’Brien’s first-grade students also made gingerbread cookies and Shelhamer added Highlawn Farms eggnog to accompany them. 

Additionally, students made signs and holiday decorations to show their appreciation for the first responders. 

Police Officers William Colvin and Eric Kirby and Firefighter/EMT Aurelien Telle – whose families are all part of the Lenox community – visited the school where students greeted them with their gifts. 

“When we put our small contributions together, we were able to see the large
bags of fruit and goodies we created as a community,” said Shelhamer. “Our Morris Motto has always been to treat others the way you want to be treated, and we live by that every day. The families in Lenox are very kind and generous. They make us feel like we are part of their family and we just wanted to honor our extended Lenox family of police and firefighters.”