The school celebrated Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Jan. 9, showing the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) their gratitude for the role they play in Prevail’s school community. Celebrated annually on Jan. 9, Law Enforcement Appreciation Day showed students positive partnership, which goes a long way, according to Principal Nickie Laney.
“Scholars seeing the partnership that Prevail and MCSO have created, as well as seeing local law enforcement have positive interactions with our staff, students, and parents, helps them create a level of trust,” Laney said. “They see law enforcement as supports, helpers, people that keep us safe, and someone to turn to in times of need.”
Prevail purchased supplies and accepted parent donations to create goodie bags for their law enforcement partners. To keep officers on track for their health-conscious start to 2026, bags were filled with requested items like jerky, protein bars, and various beverages.
Prevail staff members stopped by the MCSO office with these treats and a sign thanking the officers for their service and support. The celebration continued at the school, where goodie bags with less healthy options such as chips and cookies were available for law enforcement partners.
Laney said it was important to take the time and effort to show appreciation for MCSO. They partner with the school to ensure safety when scholars visit nearby parks, libraries, and an art museum. MCSO also presents during Safe Schools Week and regularly visits Prevail to ensure the school community’s safety.
“Having a strong, positive relationship with our local law enforcement helps provide wraparound, dynamic support, guidance, and that extra sense of security that is needed in this day and age,” Laney said. “Over the years they have learned our programing, culture, expectations, demographic, arrival and dismissal routines, and systems so that they are able to support at a moment’s notice when needed.”
The visibility of this partnership is impactful for staff, parents, and students, creating a constant feeling of safety and security, Laney added. She also shared educating students about the role of law enforcement is important.
“It’s incredibly important for our scholars to learn about local agencies because as they grow older, these agencies open up a world of support, guidance, and assistance for our community,” Laney said. “Scholars need to know what is available, trust the support, and know how to access the support when needed.”
The MCSO’s presence and partnership with Prevail is helping scholars remain safe and focus on learning, and that is something worth celebrating every day.
What a great partnership, Prevail! Thank you for all you do in ensuring a safe school environment!
About Prevail Academy
Prevail Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Mount Clemens, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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