Joaquin Elementary Students Adventure through Safety Day

• Joaquin Elementary Students Adventure through Safety Day
• Joaquin Elementary Students Adventure through Safety Day

Joaquin Elementary recognizes that children often need to prepare for emergencies without knowing how. Melanie Hughes led a collaborative effort to address safety, bringing together various organizations. Hughes added that from the Texas A&M Forestry Service to the Fire Department, organizations united to educate and inform our students, demonstrating a shared commitment to their safety.

Mark Magee, Chief of Desoto Fire District 1, took a hands-on approach to teach students about fire prevention and safety. Older students had the unique opportunity of donning firefighting gear and performing tasks, enhancing their understanding of fire safety. Younger students, meanwhile, practiced essential fire safety techniques such as ‘stop, drop, and roll,’ ‘get low and go,’ and ‘get out and stay out.’ They also developed a game plan with their families in case of a fire, ensuring their preparedness in real-life situations.

Sean Dugan and Laura Stevens from Texas A&M Forestry Service conducted an informative session on fire safety, forest health, and products and prescribed fire. The students at Joaquin gained insights into the work of the Forest Service and wildland firefighting techniques and equipment. Sean Dugan read The Smokey Story and engaged the kids in a discussion about fire safety, culminating in a meeting with Smokey Bear. The Wildland Urban Interface Coordinator, Laura Stevens, stressed the importance of fire safety and prevention, leaving the students with the memorable phrase, ‘Only you can prevent forest fires.’

Chief Matt Haddox of the Joaquin ISD Police Department played a crucial role in the event, covering seat belt safety with kids. He explained the importance of seat belts while riding in vehicles and the dangers of not having them on or wearing them correctly. He also highlighted ‘Stranger Danger’ and what kids should do if found in that situation. Chief Haddox reassured the students that law enforcement officers are there to aid them in and out of school, instilling a sense of security and confidence.

Game Wardens Samuel Anderson, Austin Cryer, and Ryan Svehla attended an event to discuss boating safety with children. During the event, the kids got to try on life vests and observe the Game Wardens correctly throw out the floatation cushion. The wardens also demonstrated how to put on life vests and ensure they fit correctly. They went over the five crucial things that Game Wardens look for in boating safety, and they advised the students on what they could do to help ensure that everything is in place.

The Shelby County Advocacy Center engaged students in various activities, including role-playing scenarios, to teach them what to do in different situations. One such situation involved personal space and “what you should do.” The primary aim of speaking with the students was to educate them on the Three-Part Safety Rule, which includes saying no, getting away, and telling a trusted adult (and continuing to tell until someone believes them). Yowser, the service dog, attended to provide comfort and cuddles to students and staff.

Several organizations were present at the event to educate the students on various subjects. These included healthy snacks, poisonous snakes, camping safety, and the summer reading program “Adventure Begins in Your Library.” It was a day filled with fun, learning, exploring, and adventure for the students.