Keeping Track of Kids...to Keep Them Alive!
While thinking through the pros and cons of bathroom passes for kids at the high school level to use, I explored other concerns about monitoring youth..not only during the school day, but before and after...to help them stay in the game of Life!
The bigger concern for me and I'd hope for most parents after our son Kaelan's passing in 2009 during the days when schedules change (test days, half days etc) is that All Parents Monitor their kids for getting to and from the school safely. Not allowing bike rides to the school or even walking away to someone's house nearby.
That may have been the ruse for going to the Falls and which were very dangerous. Most parents do not understand the dangers of the river or other risky things kids like to try. Some condone them openly by mistake or just assuming everyone will use good judgment. Legally parents and others caring for them, and I'd encourage the school personnel to brave doing so as well...is to supervise youth, including teens.
The accountability should not have to be exhaustive or police work. Teens need to take responsibility also, especially for their time outside of school and at home, on the roads and otherwise. Ideally more adults could find ways to drive with their teens often to see that they get places in a timely fashion without rushing (even To School.)
Even once a week would help set the tone and clarify expectations. Maybe there could be more oversight in the parking lot as well. A main chain of contact--which we should all know about should be between schools-- students, teachers, coaches, bus drivers, and administrators-- and parents and even the public as well as police or rescue teams, and even volunteer monitors around the school (on the roads such as Rt 7 intersection, Warren Turnpike and in seasons of concern (fall but mostly spring and summer..yes even when school's out) have some way to know who if anyone is 'going to the falls.' just to look or especially if thinking of going in which is basically against the law in terms of trespassing (with signs posted against swimming), and when the river is running, obviously super dangerous.
We do have a Town Pool in Falls Village which is open to others to use for small fees. Maybe in the future swimming lessons could be given to all of the HVRHS Students after school and weekends from May on (or as its warm enough.) Just brainstorming away here to look at the reality our kids and adults are facing in these modern times when many lessons have been learned the hard way. In terms of driving, I've blogged about that a fair amount (and much more) on livfully.org...
Post new comment