Creating a safe school environment

For students, by students Florida — How do I to find my way to class? What can’t I run in the hall? Why is it so important to use crosswalks? What’s so special with how I act around a school bus? In their bright orange belts, select fourth and fifth grade students of Golden Hill Elementary School not only know the answers, but are also emphasizing this information with their fellow students. They are the members of the school’s Safety Patrol. Now three years old, the patrol is charged with helping to keep Golden Hill students safe. The five fifth grade students and eight fourth grade students that make up the patrol act as role models for other students, and assist with school arrival procedures, like getting children safely from their buses to their classrooms. This means using appropriate crosswalks, no running on the sidewalk or in the halls, no loud voices, and following school rules. When things are most hectic, such as the first days of school, these students also help kindergarteners get off the school bus and then walk them to their respective teachers. They also help with the school’s bike rodeo, designed to help children know how to safely ride and maintain their bikes, and learn and obey traffic signals. Students apply to participate in the Safety Patrol in fourth grade and retain their position into fifth grade. Children interested in participating in the patrol must complete an application, and then are interviewed by school principal Ronald DePace, patrol teacher advisor Marlayne Sick, and Jamie Bricker, a police officer and volunteer fireman. Once selected, students are given formal training by Bricker in safety procedures and peer relations. Interviewing for the job not only gives the children a taste of the real world, but as Sick relates, “In getting this job, the students have one of their first opportunities to learn how to handle a leadership role, from a skilled police officer. In addition, they develop social and collaborative skills as they learn how to work with each other. This helps the students learn how to start making independent decisions. They develop interpersonal skills so that they don’t have to run to either the principal or me if a small problem ensues.” Knowing how to talk to their peers is important, because, as fourth graders Brianna Villari and Amanda Tantillo said, “We are learning how to be helpful, but sometimes it’s difficult because kids don’t always listen to us.” What if there are repeat offenders? “We need to report them to Mrs. Sick,” answered the girls. But mainly, their help is appreciated, as they make an important contribution to the school.