Hart fifth graders graduate from TEAM.

Hart fifth graders graduate from TEAM.

HART — Approximately 100 Hart Middle School fifth graders graduated from the Hart Police Department TEAM (Teaching, Educating And Mentoring) program.

The program taught annually by Sgt. Kevin Skipski encompasses a host of classes on fire safety, internet safety, feeling safe and secure, drug resistance, why we have rules and laws, Michigan Community Child Watch, bicycle safety, gun safety, water safety, and the STEP program, which teaches students how to prepare for emergencies.   

Sgt. Skipski, at right, and Sgt. Tony Slocum of the Indiana State Police.

The guest speaker for TEAM graduation was Sgt. Tony Slocum of the Indiana State Police, Peru post. 

At the end of the program, students are required to complete a fire safety plan, a collage and a TEAM essay, culminating in what they have learned throughout the past 15 weeks.  

This year’s essay winners were:  Liliana VanAgtmael, Viviana VanAgtmael, Auden Scott and Henry Galindo.  

“I am extremely proud of each graduate and the time they put into the program,” said Sgt. Skipski. “I would also like to thank the fifth grade teachers and Mr. (Kevin) Ackley (HMS principal) for their constant support with our program.”

The TEAM program is funded through an annual golf outing held in September. Anyone interested in golfing in this year’s event can contact Hart Police Chief Juan Salazar at 873-2488. 

• Contributed photos

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