As you can imagine, our
students are very excited about the long-anticipated summer break that is now
just around the corner. One of the best parts about living in our community is
the variety of activities that we can enjoy in our parks and public spaces all
year round. With these activities, and with warmer weather and longer daylight
hours upon us, students may be spending more time outside. This presents a good
opportunity to remind everyone to take extra care in enjoying all the outdoors
can offer.
We are fortunate to have a
number of initiatives, programs, and policies that contribute to a caring and
safe school. Our staff periodically speak to students about how to stay
safe. I know that you too will want to
help ensure children are safe. Here are some tips that you may find helpful
when discussing safety with your child:
·
always walk with a buddy to and from
school
·
always tell your parents where you are
·
never accept gifts from strangers and
never approach or enter a stranger’s car
·
if a car is following you, change
directions and run
·
when help is needed, go to the nearest
store or school, the home of a friend or run towards a group of people or a
parent with children
·
know your name, address and phone number
·
know that police officers are friends
and can help you
·
tell your parents or teacher whenever
someone treats you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe; trust
your instincts.
Our staff also review traffic
safety with students. Please reinforce these messages with your child.
Below is a list of tips that might be helpful to review:
- stop,
look, and listen for traffic
- only
cross at corners and crosswalks and only if clear
- obey
crossing signals
- make
eye contact with drivers when crossing
- walk
on sidewalks; where there are no sidewalks, walk as far away from traffic
as possible facing traffic.
For those who drive, please
take extra care on the roads, especially in areas where children might be
present.
It’s been a good year and we
want to ensure that the summer is equally enjoyable. Let’s continue to work
together to make our communities as safe as possible for everyone.
