A New Style of Community Spirit

Dresden Elementary Principal Adam Brenner found that sometimes to get things done, all you have to do is ask.

In the last year, things have been very different, to say the least. From businesses changing the way they do things to mask mandates, we have all had a lack of what we consider normal. But one of the most normal parts of the school year is the inevitable picture day, where kids line up to have their faces immortalized for the frame in the hallway, or mom and dads wallet, 5 x 7’s sent off to grandma and grandpa, not to mention the yearbook. Along with this day usually comes the trip to the local barber or salon, but understandably some of those trips have been delayed or even cancelled for a variety of reasons. For this along with other reasons, principal Brenner has been rescheduling picture day a couple of times so far this year, but he felt he couldn’t put it off any longer.

During a routine visit to one of the local barbershops for a beard trim, Mr. Brenner was discussing picture day with his barber when the thought came to him to ask, “would you be willing to do something for the kids?” and the answer from three of the local establishments was a resounding “YES!”. Mr. Brenner and the staff of Dresden Elementary made some calls to the local salons and barbershops and were pleasantly surprised that they were all on board with the idea of coming to the school prior to picture day for a complimentary haircut for any of the kids interested in participating.

Eric Smith of Smitty’s Barbershop shakes off a smock after trimming a Dresden Elementary student’s hair.

“It’s great that they all were very willing to come in and donate their time to the kids, they wouldn’t let me compensate them for their time even though I asked to do so” stated Principal Brenner.

Locally they asked Kayela’s on Main, and Rochelle’s Barbershop in Dresden as well as Smitty’s Barbershop in Frazeysburg to come into the gym at the Dresden Elementary school to setup in separate spaced out areas to allow the kids to be scheduled and brought in one at a time to get haircuts on Wednesday, April 7th.

“It was so adorable seeing the little ones get so excited about getting their hair cut at their school what a great idea from principal Brenner.. I think we all enjoyed being able to give back to the community!” stated Rochelle Berry.

Parents were invited to come in for the kids participating if they were able to do so, but otherwise, the kids each got a trim and were sent back to class.

Kayela Slate Smith commented “When the school called to ask if we would do it, we said absolutely, anything for the kids! We are extremely excited & honored to participate in this event!”

Dresden Elementary PTO posted on their Facebook page following the event “Shouting THANK YOU to the local hairstylists and barbers from our community who shut down their businesses to give our kiddos a free haircut so they are ready for picture day! The kids looked great and were so proud of their new trims! Smitty’s Barbershop- Eric Smith. Rochelle’s Barbershop- Rochelle Berry and Susie Schneider and Kayela’s on Main- Kayela Slate, Michelle Stevens, Tristan Taylor and Nikki Giffin.”


CAPTION: Kayela Slate Smith combs a Dresden Elementary student’s hair.