Recesses have been staggered by grade levels so that fewer students are out at one time with closer supervision and interaction of staff with students. Parent volunteers are assisting on a regular basis on the playground. Students are learning to negotiate space when there are conflicts between games, or to line up politely at the water fountain. We have icepacks and band aids ready for use on the playground for immediate care. Instructional Assistant, Matt Beuley, is the crossing guard at Military and Hwy 43 and helps students come and go from school safely.
Students bring their ideas or concerns about safety and care to any adult for further direction.
The Safety Committee has recommended and the staff has implemented the wearing of name badges for security purposes and to allow all students to be able to know teachers names regardless of the grade level. More attention is being given to playground safety, not only the supervision of students on the playground, but to retrofitting the structure that exists to meet higher safety standards. The school year has just begun and our energy level and enthusiasm are high. It is exciting to imagine the many possibilities and opportunities for improvement that could result from our focus and purpose of making our daily world more humane. I am committed, along with the staff, students and parents, to paint a peaceable human landscape at Riverdale Grade School.