JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. -- A Jefferson County teacher has inspired hundreds of school children in the Fox C-6 district to have a little fun while raising thousands of dollars for Arnold police officer Ryan O'Connor and his family.
It's an effort she holds close to her heart and one she hopes she'll never have to make again.
Normally, walking down the halls of Ridgewood Middle School in a hat would land a student in trouble.
But Friday was not a normal day.
“We did a hat day and iPod day,” said eighth grade language arts teacher Kelly Deroode.
For a dollar, students could sport their favorite, most festive and funniest headwear. If they doubled down, they got to jam to their favorite tunes during class. Using headphones, of course.
And it's all thanks to Deroode.
She's got a soft spot in her heart for Arnold police officers. After all, she's married to one.
And when Deroode heard Officer Ryan O'Connor was shot in the line of duty, she knew she had to help however she could.
“It's just a very special bond,” said Deroode. “Not just in the community, but also among police families.”
The teacher asked students to support her idea and they didn't disappoint. In just one morning the kids raised $650 dollars.
“I have a close connection with police officers,” said eighth-grader Maddy Brown. “So, I just thought it was a brilliant idea to show our love to our first responders.”
“It's a great feeling to help out a family in need,” added fellow eighth-grader Liz Emmons. “And just to see so many people participating is really great.”
“I just told them how emotional I was about their response. And had several kids donating extra money. Giving me 20s and telling me to keep the change when it cost them two dollars,” said Deroode.
And the effort extended far beyond Ridgewood to all 19 buildings in the Fox C-6 district.
That’s something that didn't surprise Ridgewood principal Jaime Cavato.
“I've worked in the district for 18 years and our community has always just dug in and taken care of our own,” said Cavato.
In all, the students raised $2,828. Deroode said that money will go directly into an account at Fortune Bank in Arnold for the O’Connor family.
