ARLINGTON — Stillaguamish Valley School students recently hosted an appreciation lunch for Arlington Police Department staff.

About five students representing the school’s Respect Team and Government Class were on hand March 24 at the City Council Chambers to serve staff members turkey sandwiches, chips, brownies and pound cake.

“We all know about the (Lakewood) shootings, and we wanted to help out and show our appreciation,” said Stillaguamish Valley student Broderick Bentley, 16.

Students from the school provided officers and support staff with the deli-style lunch, which was purchased using donations from the community and the two groups hosting the event.

“The purpose of this event is to bring together the police department and some of the students of SVS together and for members of the Arlington and surrounding community to show appreciation for all that the Arlington Police do for us,” said Will Nelson, writing, speech, journalism, photography and Russian language instructor.

Bentley joined fellow students Nora Denton, 12, and sisters Chelsea and Mallory Van Der Meersche to set up, serve and clean up after the lunch.

Stillaguamish Valley School, part of the Arlington School District, is a resource program for parents who are home-schooling their children.