Mantua – Once again, Crestwood Primary School hosted a weeklong Safety Town program for all 130 kindergarten children at Crestwood School. What began five years ago as a summer program was transformed into one held during the school day in order to provide all students the opportunity to attend and learn valuable lessons at the start of their school year.
On Monday, kids met with Crestwood bus drivers to learn how to stay safe while going to and traveling home from school. In addition, they spent extra time on the playground as they learned about avoiding injuries during valuable recess time. They also learned why seat belts are so important, and how to protect their vision with free sunglasses from Real Eyes Ohio.
On Tuesday, children learned all about stranger danger from Officer Urso of the Mantua Police Department, and had a special visit from Officer Justus and K-9 Vader. UH Hospitals presented bike safety tips, as well as 130 bike helmets — enough for every kindergarten student. Lastly, kids petted dogs from the Geauga Humane Society after learning the proper way to approach a dog they don’t know.
Wednesday provided kids the chance to practice what to do in case their clothing happens to catch fire — Stop, Drop, and Roll — thanks to the Hiram Fire Department. They also talked to a firefighter as he put on all the gear needed in an emergency so that they know what to expect if he visits their home in a real emergency. Portage County Sheriff Officer Amy visited, sharing gun safety rules. And since hunting is a popular pastime, and many homes have guns, the Sheriff’s Department made free gun locks available to families who wanted them, as well.
Doctor Drew, a dentist from Garrettsville, provided brushing and flossing tips to helps keep their smiles healthy and bright, Jen Hirsh from Crestwood’s Food Service Department discussed healthy food choices and shared a taste test with kids as they guessed the contents of their healthy fruit smoothies. Kindergarteners even had the chance to escape through the window of the Family Safe House after learning about safety hazards in the simulated kitchen and bedroom areas of the mobile unit. “We practice fire safety drills with kids from kindergarten through the second grade so it becomes second nature to them, “ explained MSFD Assistant Chief Chris Mullins. “We want them to know how to get out, what to do if their clothes catch on fire, and to see us in full gear so they aren’t scared if they need our help in an emergency,” he explained.
The successful week of activities was spearheaded by CPS teacher Jolene Reese with the support of the kindergarten teachers and a host of community businesses and organizations, as well as the generous financial support of Sky Lane Bowling in Garrettsville.
