Dragon Safety Patrol Takes Flight at Flagstaff Academy: Empowering Students as Leaders in School Safety
Longmont, CO – December 9, 2024 – Flagstaff Academy Charter School is proud to announce the continued success and growth of its student Safety Patrol program. First launched at the beginning of the 2023 school year by campus safety supervisor Tim Rumsey, the Dragon Safety Patrol program has seen increasing interest and participation from students eager to take an active role in ensuring campus safety.
"The Dragon Safety Patrol program is designed to involve 5th through 8th grade students in the responsibility of maintaining a safe environment for their peers, staff, and visitors," says Rumsey. "Through the program, students are trained to assist with school safety tasks such as monitoring hallways, helping younger students navigate the school grounds, managing traffic during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, and offering support during emergency drills.”
Since its inception, the program has gained significant traction, growing from twelve students in 2023 to twenty five in 2024. More and more students are applying to become members of the Dragon Safety Patrol team, and the growing interest reflects the program's success in fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the safety and well-being of the school. Students involved in the program are trained in CPR, basic first aid, and the administration of Narcan. In addition to their on-site training, students also meet with local law enforcement and first responder agencies to gain a broader understanding of what it means to be a first responder.
“In today’s climate, we have to focus on safety,” says Flagstaff Academy Executive Principal, Katie Gustafson. ”We know if kids don’t feel safe, they won’t learn. From last year to this, we see more students wanting to join because their classmates and friends are in Dragon Safety Patrol.”
The program not only focuses on campus safety but also encourages students to work together, build teamwork skills, and develop a greater sense of community. Dragon Safety Patrol students learn real-world skills that introduce them to future potential careers. Flagstaff Academy is committed to providing students with opportunities to grow as responsible, engaged citizens, and the Dragon Safety Patrol program plays a key role in achieving that goal.
Brothers Levi (8th grade) and Nathaniel (7th grade) are now in their second year of the Dragon Safety Patrol. Levi is now a captain, and Nathaniel is a sergeant. When asked which of the skills they learned in the Dragon Safety Patrol will serve them best in high school, Nathaniel says, “We all need to keep our grades up to be in Dragon Safety Patrol, so knowing that school comes first is important.” Levi says, “I think learning how to work as part of a team will be useful in high school”.
Flagstaff Academy is excited for the continued success of the program and looks forward to seeing more students become involved in keeping their school safe and secure.
For more information about Flagstaff Academy or the Dragon Safety Patrol program, please contact Tim Rumsey, Flagstaff Academy Safety Supervisor, at [email protected].