Safety in numbers

Do you see sixth graders walking the halls or courtyard wearing bright neon yellow sashes? If so, those are Safety Patrol members, and they have many jobs to keep the school safe and running smoothly. Social worker Amanda Binetti and fifth-grade teacher Breanne Decarlo run Safety Patrol. They hold meetings every month. 

“Safety Patrol is super important to our school community because it gives sixth graders the opportunity to be leaders and set an example for younger students. It is a great way for students to get involved in a school club that focuses on important topics like safety, inclusion, service, and respect,” Binetti said. “Safety Patrol members also learn what it’s like to have a job in their school community and to be responsible by showing up on time and completing various tasks each month.” 

Nearly half the students in the sixth-grade class participate in the Safety Patrol club. One of those sixth graders, Joshua Choe, thinks that Safety Patrol is a fun experience. 

“Safety Patrol is all about helping the school and influencing safety. There are a lot of jobs in Safety Patrol, which is a lot of fun,” Choe explained.

Every month, each Safety Patrol member rotate through jobs. Jobs include band room manager, holiday speaker at “O” Shows, or morning announcements.

Even though Safety Patrol is fun for Choe, he thinks that “Some jobs you don’t want to do because it’s boring, but you have to do it.”

Joshua also has a favorite job in Safety Patrol.  

“I haven’t experienced a lot of jobs yet, but so far my favorite job is band room cleaner. The job happens every Thursday, and near the end of the day you go to Mr. Gibb’s (the band teacher’s) room and help organize his room.”

Aside from the monthly job, every Safety Patrol member is assigned a morning responsibility once a week, which is either to monitor the walkway near the parking lot or the courtyard for morning lineup.