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PV Seventh Graders Carry SAFE KIDS Message to Elementary Students
In late April a team of Putnam Valley Middle School (PVMS) seventh grade students and staff brought a timeless and important message to elementary school students: Learn how to be safe.
The "Safe Kids" Program was initiated more than twelve years ago in response to a New York State mandate to include a safety and abduction prevention program in the schools' curriculum. Mrs. Pam Darreff, PVMS Health Teacher, coach, and Chair of the Putnam Valley Health Advisory Council, heads up the Safe Kids program, with help from her staff of teacher-trainers.
Students at the Middle School who volunteered for this program were extensively trained to visit classrooms and teach specific skills and rules. Safe Kids rehearsals were held for about six weeks- before school, during academic skills periods, during lunch, and after school. There was so much interest this year that Mrs. Darreff was able to add additional team members. This year's teams were made up of 5 to 6 enthusiastic seventh graders, and this year's teachertrainers are Joanne Byrnes (K); Mary Yurus (1st grade); Catherine Dreessen (2nd grade); Pam Darreff (3rd grade); and Joanne Byrnes (4th grade).
The overall goal of the program is not to teach children to be afraid of strangers, but rather how to keep themselves safe. Here is the curriculum for each grade level, and some examples of what it means: Kindergarten- Check First Rule- I always check first with my parents or the person in charge. I tell them before I go anywhere or get into a car, even with someone I know. I always check first with my parents before I accept anything from anyone, even from someone I know. First Grade- Check First and the Buddy System- I always take a friend with me when I go places or play outside. Second Grade- Assertive Skills and No Go Tell- I am strong, smart, and have the right to be safe. It's OK to say no, and I know there will always be someone who can help me. Third Grade- No Go Tell and Touches & Secrets- I say no if someone tries to touch me or treat me in a way that makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. I know that I can tell my parents or a trusted adult if I feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. Fourth Grade- Review of the four safety rules and abduction tricks and Get Street Smart- Always take a friend when walking or riding your bike to and from school. Stay with a group while waiting at the bus stop. It's safer and more fun to be with your friends. If an adult approaches you for help or directions, remember that grownups needing help should not ask children for help: they should ask other adults.
Presentations took place over a period of three days starting on April 25th and finishing up on Friday, April 27th. Because different groups of Middle Schoolers and their teachertrainers focused on specific Elementary School grade levels, their absence time from their own classrooms was limited.
Elementary School teacher Theresa Hebeisen commented, "The children learned a song about checking first with a grown up before making plans or talking to strangers. They also had a chance to act out scenarios using puppets and showing that they know how to make the safe choice. It was a great opportunity for the youngest members of our school to learn valuable lessons from their peers."
First grade Teacher Kerri Burdett added, "The Safe Kids 7th graders first discussed why kids need to be safe and then taught the children some catchy songs, 'Check First' and 'The Buddy Song.' Then, they broke up the class into small groups to play a game that presented situations in which the first graders had to decide whether they would check first or go along with a buddy. The children had a lot fun learning about safety from the 7th grade students."
As part of the Safe Kids program, Elementary School parents are encouraged to reinforce safety skills at home, and have been given some take-home flyers to help continue teaching the lessons begun in the school program.
Safe Kids is funded by the Putnam Valley Health Advisory Council.
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