Safety is paramount

By Dr. Richard A. DiPatri

Superintendent of Schools

I have written to you several times over the last few years about my view that the safety of our students is paramount. The topics that I have covered have been everything from bicycle safety, to internet safety, to child luring, and much more. Over the years we have been proactively developing programs and policies that are focused on prevention. It becomes increasingly important that we cover all of the aspects of safe schools as soon as possible in the school year to keep our children safe, whether it is riding to or from school, participating in playground activities, or in the event of a school emergency.

This month’s Mark of Excellence is centered on the theme of safety and the programs and policies we have developed that are working quite well. In addition, I have convened a Safety and Security Committee to improve our security measures that has been working diligently all summer long to make recommendations to the School Board. The committee, led by Betty Dunn, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, is made up of community leaders and district staff, will make recommendations to the School Board at the September 26^th meeting. These recommendations will be printed in the next issue of the Mark of Excellence.

While I have convened a committee to look at every aspect of school safety and security, I am asking for your help in working with us to keep our children safe. Last year, we had several youngsters hit by cars or other vehicles while the children were riding their bikes to and from school. Now that we are back to school, we need to be sure that adults driving cars in and around our schools are as careful as they can be considering the large number of students who walk or ride their bikes to school. It behooves all of us as responsible adults to make a special effort to watch out for our children by observing posted speed limits and school zones to keep them from harm.

There have also been reports of students being solicited by strangers for rides to and from school. Our district safety personnel work closely with the Sheriff’s office and with municipal police departments to take immediate action on these reports. Just as there are neighborhood watch programs, we need to watch out for our students as well. It takes more than just a few people to make a difference. We need the support of our students’ parents and guardians to make this happen.

Please review these safety tips and take some time to discuss them with your children.

· Children should never go anywhere with someone they do not know; families should develop a plan of action, especially if there is an emergency at school.

· Children should always tell an adult they know and trust when they are approached by a stranger who asks them for a favor or asks for their help.

· Children should never accept a ride from someone they don’t know.

· Children should always travel to and from school or school events in groups, and always play, walk, bike, or skate with a friend, not alone.

· Children should always let a trusted adult know where they are.

· Children should be advised of the inherent dangers of being alone on the internet and parents should work hard to be sure the computer is located in a visible location inside the home.

Soon it will also be the end of daylight savings time, and daylight will be very limited after school. Parents should provide their youngsters with personal safety lighting for their bikes, or to carry with them, when the change occurs. As we have done in prior years, bus times will be adjusted for students who live in areas that are affected by the daylight savings time change.

Our children will be safe only so long as we are vigilant and concerned about their safety. Please help me to keep our students safe by talking with your children about the articles contained in this issue. Keeping children safe will ensure a brighter future for all our children.