A lineup of police vehicles turned on their lights Monday morning in the Slippery Area Elementary School parking lot – but the scene was a joyful one, not one involving a crime.

State troopers and local police stood in a line with signs of encouraging words and funny faces as they greeted children exiting their buses and entering their school. The visit took place during a week that celebrates kindness.

“We’re coming into their environment, in their school and showing them that we support them and they support us also,” said Trooper Josh Black. “Fortunately, we were able to come out with a good showing.”

Some of the students showed their appreciation by handing out treats to the officers, and many others offered masked smiles and waves as they hustled into the building.

“That’s really nice of them to come down,” said Elle Campagna, fifth grade. “It’s cool, and it was really fun.”

The school has been in the midst of celebrating Kindness Week, which was a tradition started last year.

This is an excerpt from a larger article that appears in Tuesday’s Butler Eagle. Subscribe online or in print to read the full article.