EDGEWOOD, Ky.
- Public officials are just like regular people. That was the lesson Tuesday at St. Pius X Elementary School.
As part of Faith in Our Community Day, police officers, city officials and bank employees spent time sharing stories, asking questions and getting to know students.
''I hope that you all come to see us as a friend, not as someone who's going to give you a ticket,'' Edgewood Officer Robert Stahl told fourth-graders in Patricia Schmidt's and Patti Dusing's class.
Students asked questions about why it takes so long to write a ticket, how people lose their licenses and what officers carry on their belts.
''Have you ever got a ticket?'' student Michael Cavanaugh asked. Officer Stahl said yes. ''Even when you were a policeman?'' Michael asked.
Again a yes from Officer Stahl.
Mrs. Schmidt said it was good for her students to realize that police make mistakes just like real people. ''It lets the children see them in a different light,'' she said.
The day's events are part of the national Catholic Schools Week, with a theme this year of ''Restoring Faith in Our Education.'' ''We found that the kids really get a kick out of being with people from the community,'' teacher Theresa Faeth said.
Listening intently, students gathered on the floor around Officer Stahl as he read two chapters of Owls in the Family. The book is the story of a young boy and his adventures with two owls.
''Nothing makes a crow madder than to see an owl,'' Officer Stahl said to the class, looking up from the book. ''Course, they don't get too close 'cause owls are good fighters.''
After two chapters, Officer Stahl talked about his job on the street and as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer.
''Eventually I hope we all get to know each other,'' he said. Edgewood City Administrator Lou Noll spoke with eighth-graders and first-graders about running a city. He read books, too.
''It's good to be able to come here,'' he said.
