Safety Patrol

Student Safety Patrol established at Middle School
Posted on 02/16/2017

A new group of student leaders has emerged at the Poplar Bluff Middle School this year with the relocation of the campus on Victory Lane. 

A total of 25 sixth graders make up the Safety Patrol, an organization committed to directing walkers through Bacon Park before and after school. 

“We never had walkers before, so we had to design an exit strategy,” said Principal Dr. Brad Owings, referring to the previous location of the school on Oak Grove Road. “It’s another way for students to show responsibility and leadership, and be role models.”

The teams of students work in shifts, from 6:50-7:20 in the morning and 2:20-2:45 p.m., lining the trail on the hill behind the school to the city park. Several students man a station, and there is one roamer with a cell phone in case of an emergency. 

The students wear safety vests and are supplied with gear such as flashlights and hand warmers for the changing conditions. Following each shift, the Patrol debriefs with teacher sponsors, Kathy Pattillo and Kelly Lawson. They also meet as a group monthly, and have had guests including school Safety Resource Officer Kenny Carpenter. 

“The students take the job very seriously, and it is an honor,” said Pattillo, noting that the group has a waiting list. Lawson added: “These are skills that can carry them through life.”

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Cutline: Safety Patrol members Daine Dugas (left) and Ty Huffmaster (right) help guide the walkers as they are dismissed from school on Wednesday, Feb. 8.

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