Table of Contents Introduction...4 History...4 The Public Schools Act & School Patrols...4 Responsibilities for School Patrol Members...

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3 Table of Contents Introduction...4 History...4 The Public Schools Act & School Patrols...4 Responsibilities for School Patrol Members...4 Principal Teaching Staff Patrol Team Patrol Supervisor Equipment/Supplies for Patrols...7 Safety Patrol Program Implementation...8 Participation Requirements & Qualifications Parent/Guardian Consent Forms Safety Patrol Training...10 Scheduling & Size of Patrol Team Discipline & Reporting of Incidents Student Assessment Patrol Rewards...11 Training Session Guideline...12 Preparation & Setup Introduce the Program Review of Safety Equipment Mock Crosswalk Demonstrations Large Group Small-Group Practice Wrap-Up Crossing Procedures...15 Street Side Crossing School Patrol Handbook Additional Safety Issues...16 Defensive Patrolling Obstructions High Traffic Concentration Crosswalks with Boulevard Two-Way Traffic Traffic Lights Snowbanks Extreme Cold Weather Guideline...17 Environment Canada cold Weather Guideline for Schools How to Dress Reporting Complaints/People Problems...18 Registration...19 Appendix...20 Sample: School Patrol Program consent Form Sample: Student Safety Patrol Application Sample: School Safety Patrol Assessment Form Safety Patrol Referral Form References

4 WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL PROGRAM INTRODUCTION The primary function of the school safety patrol is to control students in crossing the roadway at or near a school; assist teachers and parents in the instruction of school children in safe pedestrian practices; and discourage unsafe crossing practices by students. Their presence can also contribute towards parents being more comfortable allowing their children to use active modes to travel to/from school, as well as making students feel safer crossing streets. Due to their young age, school patrols are required to be more passive. They do not step out into vehicle paths to assist students as a crossing guard does, but instead wait for gaps in traffic and remain at the curb holding out high-visibility flags to indicate to motorists that students are crossing. HISTORY In 1936 a teacher, named Louise Staples, organized the first School Safety Patrol team. Months later, School Safety Patrols were established city-wide to protect pedestrians and promote road safety. For more than 60 years, CAA Manitoba has been a proud supporter of the School Safety Patrol program. Across Canada and the United States, their support for the program reaches back even farther, all along working side-by-side with the police to ensure our streets are safe. More recently, CAA Manitoba joined forces with Manitoba Public Insurance to further strengthen and grow the program in our province. THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS ACT AND SCHOOL PATROLS The school patrols have been in operation for over 50 years. According to Section 48 of The Public Schools Act, a school board may establish, operate, maintain and regulate a system of patrols for the protection of children from traffic accidents. In the Pembina Trails School Division each school is responsible to: establish, operate, maintain and regulate a system for the better protection of children from traffic accidents by the use of patrols; select as patrols boys and girls attending the school who volunteer for the purpose; and instruct, direct and control those selected for, in and about the performance of their services as patrols. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SCHOOL PATROL MEMBERS Role of the School Principal The principal s support plays a vital role in the development and success of the School Safety Patrol Program in the school. The overall importance of the School Safety Patrol Program within the school is directly affected by the ability of the principal to convey that message to the school community. The selection of the patrol supervisor is the responsibility of the principal. A vice-principal or teacher can assume the Supervisor responsibilities for training and overseeing the daily operations of the 4

5 program. Parent involvement is welcome; however, a school staff member must be the primary contact and oversee the program. The school principal has the following responsibilities: Sign and submit the Winnipeg Police School Patrol & School Information Registration Forms to create the school safety patrol. (Forms can be found at the back of this guideline). Determine the location and assessment of the crosswalk(s) to be patrolled by students. Communicate within the school and to the School Division about implementation of the program. Determine who will be the designated Safety Patrol Supervisor. Determine supervision requirements at the crosswalk. Ensure a parent/guardian has signed a consent form for the Patroller to participate. The principal and the Patrol Supervisor will address such issues as: Progressive steps to follow when dealing with patrol problems and concerns. Incentives for patrols. Regular meetings with patrols. Expectations of patrols. Staff co-operation. The principal can also make patrols more effective by: Providing time at staff meetings for the patrol supervisor to address concerns. Recognizing patrols assemblies, awards, hot chocolate on cold days, etc. Attending patrol meetings and outings. Consulting with the police patrol constable when concerns arise about the establishment of new patrol crossings or the elimination of others. To ease implementation and increase community awareness and support of the program, schools are encouraged to work with parent advisory committees, local police, City of Winnipeg and community safety committees. Role of the Teaching Staff All teachers are responsible for the safety of the students in their school. This involves co-operating with the patrol supervisor by: Encouraging students to obey the safety rules of the school when crossing with patrols. Having good communication with the patrol supervisor. This can be achieved by giving written notification to the patrol supervisor of various activities and events that will interfere with the patrol duty of their students. Notice should be given in advance to allow the patrol supervisor opportunity to cover vacant posts. Encouraging the punctuality of all patrols for their duty. Members of the School Patrol Team Patrollers have the following responsibilities: Controlling, directing, and instructing students in crossing the streets and highways at or near the school. Set a good example at all times. Work together as a team. Earning the respect of the children they are crossing (patrols must act with self-discipline). 5

6 Representing the school and acting appropriately on their post. Assisting teachers, parents and police in instructing school children about safe practices on streets and highways at all times and places. Report any concerns and/or incidents to the Safety Patrol Supervisor. Patrollers may have the following additional responsibilities: Manage equipment and supplies. Facilitate patrol meetings. Write safety messages for the school s newsletter. Make safety presentations in classrooms and/or school assemblies. Create safety message bulletin boards or post messages on the school s website. Read safety messages on the school announcements. Patrol Supervisors A school must have a designated school administrator or teacher responsible for implementation of the School Safety Patrol Program. Patrol supervisors are responsible for recruiting and training of patrols. They must use the police department School Patrol Handbook to assist in their training and must consult with the Police Patrol Constable during training. Recruiting Patrols: New patrols will be selected each spring for the next school year. When recruiting patrols, the patrol supervisor must stress: The importance of being a good patrol, by helping the school and community on behalf of the police department. The commitment of duty for the whole school year. If the students are interested, a permission form will be signed by the students parents and returned to the patrol supervisor (an optional form is available). Training Patrols: The patrol supervisors must arrange the initial training of the new patrols. The training is usually done in the spring by the patrols from the current school year. The patrol constable will provide a comprehensive training program in the fall. There shall be training sessions before a patrol is allowed to be on a post alone. Scheduling Patrols: The patrol supervisor will be responsible for establishing patrol schedules. Patrols and staff will be made aware of these schedules. Punctuality of Patrols: Patrols must be on their posts at times designated by their patrol supervisor. Patrols should be dismissed so they will be on their posts prior to the dismissal bell (five to 10 minutes depending on distance to post, weather conditions, size of school, etc.). Patrols should remain on duty until an agreed upon signal allows them to leave their post. 6

7 EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES FOR PATROLS Mandatory Safety Equipment All patrols must wear the following approved safety apparel/equipment: Safety patrol vest five point tear away high visibility vest. Must be worn at all times while on patrol duty. Patrol flag - can be wiped clean with mild soap and water. Should be stored individually on a shelf, rolled up, as they can tear. Patrols should dress appropriately depending on the weather. It would be advantageous for school patrols to carry a small pencil and paper if recording facts becomes necessary. School Patrol Materials and Supplies: All materials are provided free-of-charge from CAA Manitoba and Manitoba Public Insurance and can be ordered directly from the CAA Manitoba website. All orders must be submitted by June 30 th. Vests, flags and rain coats are provided free of charge to all School Safety Patrol programs in Manitoba. Larger vests, for patrol supervisors, are available at special request. Note: they are NOT available for crossing guards. Officer s record book for patrol captains (English or French) School Patrol Handbook (English or French) provided to each patroller Application for membership (English or French) Membership card (English or French) Patrol zipper pulls CAA Website: CAA for school patrols: schoolpatrol@caamanitoba.com 7

8 SAFETY PATROL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION Safety patrol equipment, training materials and student resources are available from CAA & MPI. The Patrol Supervisor has the following responsibilities. Any of these tasks, with the exception of training the patrollers may be delegated to and/or assisted by adult volunteers, including parents. The training must be conducted by a teacher/school administrator or police constable for student patrols. Recruit students. Obtain signed Parent/Guardian Consent Forms. Train student Patrollers using the CAA training materials. Schedule Patrollers and patrol team meetings. Supervise and assess Patrollers while on duty. Recognize Patrollers for their service. For additional information, including presentations, videos, student recognition ideas and information for Patrollers and their parents, visit Participation Requirements and Qualifications Students who wish to become a safety Patroller may be eligible to participate if they meet the following qualifications: Ability and skill to ensure personal safety Adequate visual acuity and hearing Ability to make discretionary decisions Ability to work independently and unsupervised Strong communication skills Ability to intervene in an emergency situation Currently enrolled in grade 5, 6 or 7 Has successfully completed School Safety Patrol training Has met the individual school requirements for participation Has returned a signed copy of a Parent/Guardian Consent Form Qualities such as leadership, dependability and availability should be considered when selecting student Patrollers. If possible, the selection process should take place in the spring, in advance of the next school year. This allows time for new recruits to benefit from observing current Patrollers who are well trained and experienced. If your recruits are selected from grade 4 in May or June, they are not permitted to patrol at a crosswalk until September when they will be in grade 5 and eligible to actively participate in the SSP Program. 8

9 Parent/Guardian Consent Form All student Patrollers must submit a signed school Parent/Guardian Consent Form before they are allowed to perform patrol duties. All Consent Forms must be kept in the school office records. When developing your Parent/Guardian Consent Form, consider addressing the following: Benefits of the program: Increases the safety of students and families travelling to and from our school Teaches leadership, team work, responsibility, communication, community service and volunteerism Encourages positive role modeling Identifies Patrollers as visible safety ambassadors for our school Encourages students to walk to/from school or families to park and walk a block Responsibilities of a student Patroller: Help guide children to cross the street safely Model safe road crossing practices Be a leader and positive role model Be available before and/or after school Meet individual school requirements for participation Acknowledgment of: MPI/CAA School Safety Patrol Handbook contents reviewed and understood School will train all students participating in the program School will be operating program in its discretion, and it may change from time to time Activity may take place off school property Potential for risk of injury Confirmation of: Having reviewed specific roles and responsibilities with the student Child is in grade 5, 6 or 7 No medical, physical or other reasons why my child can t participate Activity is suitable for my child Consent to: Participation by student The form could also include a safety Patroller agreement that the student signs. 9

10 SAFETY PATROL TRAINING Each participating school is responsible for training its students using the Winnipeg Police Patrolling Safely training Videos and Safety Patrol Handbook. All students who wish to participate in the program must successfully complete a safety patrol training session before being allowed on patrol duty. Keep in mind that student Patrollers may require refresher training during the school year. Ensure each Patroller receives a copy of the MPI School Safety Patrol Handbook at the end of the training session. The handbook can be used to review the patrol procedures and safety practices learned during the session and taken home to share with a parent/guardian. New recruits may benefit from observing or working with experienced Patrollers. They can gain an understanding of traffic/pedestrian flow, ask questions of the current Patrollers and watch the procedures being demonstrated. It s a good idea to review the proper procedures with the current Patrollers before an observation period. Scheduling and Size of Patrol Team: Scheduling Patrol duty times is dependent upon the specific needs of the school, dismissal times and the pedestrian volume at each location. Schools determine when and how often student Patrollers are on duty throughout the day. The following guidelines may be of assistance: Patrollers can be scheduled to rotate every day or each week. Ask the new recruits for a list of any commitments that would interfere with patrol duty times. Schedule Patrollers who have restrictions on their availability first. Bused children could be scheduled during lunch hour. Patrollers can be responsible for finding their own replacement if they are absent. However, it may be helpful to schedule a standby Patroller each day/week or to have a list of Patrollers who can fill in on short notice. Regularly scheduled patrol team meetings are beneficial as it provides opportunities to share new information, identify and solve problems, encourage team building and recognize students for their volunteer service. Discipline and Reporting of Incidents: Patrols should not vacate their posts unless their safety or the safety of others is in jeopardy. The patrol supervisor and the principal are responsible for disciplining students who are jeopardizing the safety of other students to and from school. The patrol supervisor should: Establish a progressive process with patrols to handle reporting of incidents (e.g. patrol on post/captain/patrol supervisor). The optional reporting form may be used. Discuss and document any deficiencies of patrol trainee and have trainee date and sign report in the event dismissal is necessary. Retain vehicle complaint form (this form is provided by the police) in school records in the event the police department requires further information. Determine appropriateness of contacting the principal, assistant superintendent, and/or police constable and/or district police office. 10

11 Student Assessment: Ongoing assessment of student Patrollers is critical to the success of any patrol team. The School Safety Patrol Assessment Form is a useful assessment tool. It provides descriptive feedback and helps Patrollers adjust their performance in order to improve. The Assessment Form can be completed by the Patrol Supervisor, school staff, parent volunteer or student Patroller. The most common and potentially dangerous errors Patrollers make include: Stepping off the curb unnecessarily Insufficient scan or no eye contact with drivers Turning their back to traffic *Please pay particular attention to these areas. Dealing with Student Behaviour: Students creating discipline problems should be reported to the patrol supervisor. (Safety Patrol - Referral form - optional). Patrol supervisor will deal with complaints. Patrol supervisor should discuss progressive steps with principal, students and staff. (e.g. supervisor unable to deal with problem - principal will intercede). Dealing with Traffic Incidents: A written form will be submitted to the patrol supervisor (in the appropriate manner described by the police) to be completed for school records. Patrol supervisor will determine whether or not to contact appropriate Police Patrol Constable. In matters where the safety of the children has been jeopardized, the Police Patrol Constable and/or district police office should be notified. PATROL REWARDS PATROL CONSTABLE RESPONSIBILITY Having small rewards throughout the year is a nice incentive for the patrols to strive for and provides the reinforcement that their job is a special one, and that it is being given special attention. The patrols give an enormous amount of their own time. They should be recognized for this in one form or another. If schools have their own ideas for school rewards, all the better. Any new suggestions may then be implemented into other school patrol reward programs. Funding may be arranged through school funds or parent association funds. Rewards can also change from year to year, depending on the sponsorship received by the police. Incentives At the discretion of the patrol constable, various coupons, incentives or discounts may be provided throughout the year. Roller-Skating Events - The safety patrol committee will arrange roller-skating events - the music provided will be age appropriate. Hot Chocolate Program - Hot chocolate given to the patrols on those very cold days. 11

12 Hot Dog Lunches/Pizza Lunches - Every so often, the school could put on a lunch for the patrols. Quite often a parent will volunteer to assist with the lunch. If a patrol constable attends, it is a nice informal chance for the children to talk with the constable. Intramural Sports - Have the patrols play a game against teachers. Again, if a patrol constable attends and plays on the side of the patrols, this is another way for the patrols to meet their constable informally. Recognition Day - Recognizing the achievements of patrols in a general assembly is another way of reinforcing the importance of this job, not only to the patrols but to the other students as well. Patrol Team of the Month - Have a Patrol Team of the Month award. This could be handed out or announced at an assembly. Again, it is a good reinforcement of a job well done. It also gives each patrol something to strive for throughout the year within their own school. Year-End Wind-Ups - Having a year-end wind-up for the patrols is a nice thank you on behalf of the school. Wind-ups could include a day at the waterslides, movies, pizza party, etc. TRAINING SESSION GUIDE The designated School Safety Patrol Supervisor is responsible for training student Patrollers using the CAA/MPI/Police training videos and training session guide. All students who wish to participate in the Program must successfully complete a safety patrol training session. Preparation and Set-up: Schedule about 2 hours for the training session for example, morning (10 am - 12 pm, including recess) or afternoon (1 pm - 3 pm). Ensure that a large area (e.g., school gym, multi-purpose room) is reserved as students will need space for their small-group practice. Set up an area to play the Patrol Safety or Bus Patrol Safety Video. Gather the safety equipment that will be used in the demonstration. Use traffic cones to set up a mock crosswalk for the largegroup demonstration. Be aware of any unique features about the school s patrol locations that may need to be emphasized (e.g., location is at the bottom of a hill, etc.). Advise students to bring their jackets for practice outside. Use former patrols to conduct demonstrations. Training Session Outline: Introduce Program to students Play video CAA Patrol Safety or Bus Patrol Safety. Ask students questions about the information learned in the video. Review the safety equipment and its proper use and care. Conduct a large group mock crosswalk demonstration. Break for recess (if appropriate). Break into small groups for practice (include practice outside on the crosswalk). Wrap up in gym/meeting room to reinforce key points, answer questions and discuss student assessment. Distribute Handbook for Patrollers. Recite Patroller s Pledge together. 12

13 Introduce the Program: Briefly explain the School Safety Patrol Program and why your school is participating. Discuss the importance of being a safety Patroller and the school s expectations for students who participate in the Program. Inform students of the session agenda: View video Patrolling Safety School Patrol Training (approximately 12 minutes) or Bus Patrol Training Video (3 minutes) and School Bus Safety Patrol Procedures (3 minutes). Students answer questions about information learned from the video. Review the safety equipment. Large-group mock crosswalk demonstration. Break for recess (if morning training). Small-group practice (including practice outside on the crosswalk). Wrap-up. Ask Questions: Ask students questions to reinforce some of the key points in the DVD and to ensure their understanding. Refer to sample questions in the Handbook for Patrollers. Review the Safety Equipment: Safety Vest - Ask a student volunteer to come up to the front and put on the safety vest. Ask students about the safety features of the vest (e.g., reflective quality, Velcro five point tear-away design, bright colour). Discuss/demonstrate: Where students should position themselves when standing at the crosswalk demonstrate that when the student is facing a group, everyone can see them, but if they are turned sideways, they can t be seen as well. How to take care of the vest it should always be hung up especially when it is wet. The importance of dressing for the weather Patrollers must always wear the safety vest over a jacket or raincoat. Patrol Flag - An important visual piece of equipment. Discuss/demonstrate: Proper use of the flag it is not a toy or sword, it must be treated with respect and stored carefully. Proper positioning of the flag there are only two positions in which the flag should ever be held: o When in use it is held so drivers can clearly read the flag, facing traffic at shoulder level, in the left hand, not dipping or loose by the Patroller s side. It may be moved slightly up and down or side to side to draw the driver s attention while the Patroller searches for eye contact. o When not in use it is always held behind the Patroller s back. Traffic Cones/Safety Patrol or Crossing Signs - Help to increase visibility of the crosswalk and warn drivers to use caution and slow down when approaching. Traffic cones/safety patrol or crossing signs must be: Set up by an adult. Put in place before Patrollers are on duty and removed after the Take Down procedure. In place every time Patrollers are on duty. Placed on the road beside the curb, with two at each end of the street crossing location. 13

14 Mock Crosswalk Demonstration for a Large Group If possible, choose three student volunteers who served on the patrol team the previous year. Ask the three students to demonstrate the various patrol procedures to the large group, beginning with the Set Up. Indicate where the school is located and what time of day it is, since this affects which side of the crosswalk the Team Leader/Supervisor will stand on: Before school the Team Leader/Supervisor stands across the street from the school. After school the Team Leader/Supervisor stands on the same side of the street as the school. Team Leaders/Supervisors can easily remember this by understanding that they need to be on the side of the street where most of the children are coming from (home or school). Discuss the steps involved in each procedure as the students are demonstrating: Getting ready Setting up Crossing (including procedure for obstructed view) Last Crossing Take-down Discuss general behaviour while on duty: Avoid socializing, eating, holding umbrellas, texting or using a cell phone How to handle unruly students What to do about vehicle traffic concerns Discuss what to do in an emergency situation: Stay calm Ask someone to get help from an adult and report back to you immediately Never move a seriously injured person Quickly direct pedestrians to the nearest curb Keep your flag out, if necessary Stay on duty to provide assistance Small-Group Practice Divide the students into small groups by numbering them off or grouping them into their patrol teams. In their small groups, have the students take turns and practice all the steps of the patrol procedure to ensure that they have a thorough understanding. The students who are watching can help the patrol team make corrections when needed or act as pedestrians crossing. This allows those students waiting for their turn to participate and encourages the Patrollers to keep on task. As the students are practicing, rotate each small group outside to practice in the school s crosswalk(s), accompanied by an adult trainer. The trainer should also wear a safety vest. The remaining groups stay in the gym and practice. Rotate through the small groups until all of the students have had an opportunity to practice outside in the crosswalk/street area. 14

15 Wrap-up Gather all the students in the gym/meeting room to: Reinforce key points; Answer any final questions; Discuss student assessment and recognition; Distribute the Handbook for Patrollers and Patrol Membership Card/Certificate Recite the Patroller s Pledge together standing with right hands raised; Thank student Patrollers for their commitment and leadership; CROSSING PROCEDURES Street Side Crossings - School Patrol Handbook This procedure is set out in the MPI s - School Patrol Handbook Walk to your post in an orderly manner. Take up a position from one to one step back from the curb. In winter, stand one meter (3ft) back from the curb. If a vehicle loses control, it gives the patrol that extra safety factor. This should place the patrol behind a light or hydro pole. Stand at ease with hands and flag behind your back. When children or adults approach the street to cross, the safety patrol will keep the children/adults behind them by extended their arms out at a 45-degree angle in front of them. STOP, LOOK, LISTEN. Check all directions, (left first, then right, then left again), for oncoming traffic. Then look again to be sure. If something is blocking your view of the street, move out carefully until you can clearly see approaching traffic. Ask the children to stay on the curb and walk out to an imaginary line on the road at the edge of the obstruction (such as a parked car). Make sure you extend your arms at a 45-degree angle so no one goes ahead. When there is a safe gap in the traffic flow, the Patroller will indicate it is safe to cross by: o Extending their left arm directly in front of their body at a 90 angle (shoulder height), as if to be pointing in the direction the children should be traveling. o Move out no more than one step onto the street, keeping the curbside foot on or against the curb. o With the curbside arm, Patroller motions (by waving their hand at shoulder level, bending at the elbow and moving their hand towards their ear) the children to cross the street. The children should always cross BEHIND the Patroller. When all children have crossed, the Patroller will step back onto the curb and lower their flag, holding it back in the neutral position behind their back. Look to handbook and/or consult patrol supervisor for special crossing circumstances, e.g. construction, parked cars, icy streets, etc. 15

16 ADDITIONAL SAFETY ISSUES Defensive Patrolling Be prepared for what you are going to do in these situations, use extreme caution and be alert. Never assume a vehicle will stop: Too slippery in winter due to icy roads May go through a stop sign or a red light The driver of an oncoming vehicle may not see you: Distracted driving Car exhaust in winter makes visibility poor Blizzards Fog Heavy rain Frost or dirt on their windshield Glare from the sun Obstructions: Parked vehicles or road construction near the patrols crossing so the patrol cannot see the traffic. Work with the patrol on the other side. Walk, holding out arms until you are at the end of the obstruction. Check for traffic. If clear, step out and cross the children. Parked vehicles, puddle or construction right in front of your crossing. Move down the street away from the corner (three of four meters). If in pairs, the patrol opposite the obstruction will look for traffic. When clear, signal. Arms extended, proceed to the edge of the obstruction, check and wait until all children have crossed. Close the crossing. Work together. Unusual circumstances sometimes require patrols to make the safest possible alternate decision. High Traffic Concentration: Vehicles stopping or parking in no stopping zones. Recurring excess traffic can cause problems at your corner. Notify your patrol supervisor who will call the constable. Crosswalks - with boulevard: Work together in pairs. Wait until traffic clear. Signal partner to initiate and check lights. Step out and cross children. 16

17 Two-Way Traffic: Use the same procedure as above except face opposite directions to face the oncoming traffic. Traffic Lights: Hold children back until the WALK sign appears. Make eye contact with the driver, look left, right and left again, then cross the children. When the light changes to DON T WALK, say to approaching children, Wait right there! But hold your position until all crossing children have safely reached the other side. Close the corner. Be on the defensive at all times. Be prepared. EXTREME COLD WEATHER GUIDELINES (Excerpt from Cold Weather Guidelines for Schools - Environment Canada) Use extreme caution in extreme cold conditions: Procedures for responding to extreme weather conditions, such as cold, lightning, hail and storms, should be included in patrol training. The following cold weather guidelines should be communicated to patrols and to the parents/guardians of patrols. During extremely cold weather, the following guidelines for an abbreviated student patrol schedule will be followed: Windchill (-27 C to -34 C) It is recommended that time on post not exceed 10 minutes. Warm clothing is essential. Facial protection is recommended. Windchill (-35 C to -40 C) It is recommended that time on post not exceed five minutes. Posts located more than a five-minute walk from the school will not be patrolled. Warm clothing and facial protection is essential. Below -40 C No student patrols on post. The school will notify the students and parents of this abbreviated patrol schedule. How to Dress: Scarves, hat, mitts, snowsuit, boots, etc. Ensure scarves, hats and hoods do not restrict the vision of the patrol. Snowbanks: Restricts motorist s vision. Stand beside the snowbank. Cross the children when it is clear or when all motorists have come to a complete stop. 17

18 REPORTING COMPLAINTS Having a pen and paper in your pocket makes recording information easy. For vehicles record the following: License number Make (Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Toyota, etc.) Colour Two door/four door Year (or older/newer) For drivers record the following: Man/woman Glasses Older/younger Hair colour and style Clothes description People Problems It is suggested that it would be helpful to discuss these possible problems with your school patrols. Non Co-operative Adults/Older Students: Allow adults/junior high school/senior high school students to cross themselves unless they ask for your help. If adults/older students say bad things to you, ignore them and do not answer them. Avoid direct eye contact as this may encourage them to continue to bother you. Memorize a description of the person(s). Write the description on paper as soon as possible. Talk with your patrol supervisor who will follow up on the problem. Suspicious People/Vehicles: Definition - A suspicious person is a man or woman, well dressed or roughly dressed, who behaves in a suspicious manner. This means s/he may: Try to get your name/telephone number. Try to get you to go with him/her for any reason. Loiter in your area, close to you, for no obvious reason. A suspicious vehicle is a motorcycle, bicycle, car, truck or van operated in a suspicious manner. This may include: Going past your post repeatedly. Slowing down around you. Stopping the vehicle with the person(s) staring at you/talking/yelling at you. 18

19 Actions to Take: You must decide if you are in personal danger (you have been or you think you are about to be: hit, screamed at, grabbed or shoved). If you or other children are in danger: Leave your post IMMEDIATELY, taking all children with you, and go to the nearest safe place: o Store o Gas station o Block Parent house o School Contact your patrol supervisor or principal IMMEDIATELY and ask for him/her to telephone for police (phone the school from the store, house, etc.). With a suspicious vehicle, ONLY IF you or other children are not in any danger, record the license number (in full), make and colour of vehicle, description of driver. Careless Drivers: Cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles may be driven through the intersection while a patrol is passing children. Actions to Take: You, as a patrol, should avoid yelling at children who are in the intersection (who may panic and run into the path of the vehicle) UNLESS you judge the child is about to be hit. If you have to yell, avoid panic yourself. Pretend to be calm. If possible, use the child s name. Give a short, clear command such as, Jimmy, run fast to the far side. Go now! Record: o License number o Make of vehicle o Colour of vehicle o Description of driver Report to patrol supervisor REGISTRATION Training Sign Up All schools in Winnipeg must sign up for training with the Winnipeg Police Service. To sign up for School Safety Patrol training that takes place every September or October, please complete the training sign up form on the CAA Website at: Ordering Patrol Supplies As of the school year, all patrol supply orders will only be accepted through the CAA On- Line Ordering System. All orders must be submitted by June 30 th, and are filled over the summer break. updates will be sent to the school provided. Orders will be sent to the Division office prior to the start of school year. Divisional couriers will deliver them to your school. If you have any questions or run into any problems, please contact CAA. Patrol Supply Order Website: CAA Contact schoolpatrol@caamanitoba.com 19

20 SAMPLE: School Patrol Consent Form Dear Parent/Guardian: A very important service, to the children attending this school, is provided by the members of the school patrol which are stationed, each school day, at the corners of and. Students from the school are on duty to patrol this corner before classes in the morning, during lunch hour and after school so that the students using the crossing may do so with greater safety. School safety patrols are on duty from early September until the end of June. At the beginning of each school year, students are chosen on a voluntary basis for training in this splendid service. From this group, patrols are organized and a captain is chosen for each patrol. Students in the program should understand the importance of their duties and must agree: a) To be on duty each day at the times set. b) To arrange for a substitute in the event of an illness or absence. c) To conduct themselves in a courteous manner when on duty and to fully understand the importance of their duty. d) To report misconduct of students at the crossing zone (anything which would endanger others at this point). e) To take proper care of equipment. Note: Parents/guardians of students on the school patrol can be of great assistance by finding out from their children their duty days and getting the students off promptly in the morning on these days. A patrol s primary duty is to the children that cross the street. This means that a patrol must be on duty, in uniform, at the required times. Being a patrol means getting up earlier, having a shortened lunch hour and occasionally missing some extracurricular activities. Patrol Times: Morning: 8:35-8:55am Lunch: 11:40-11:50am, 12:30-12:45pm Afternoon: 3:25-3:40pm A student who patrols will be on duty for all four times, one day of the week, always at the same corner. School Patrol Program Parent Consent: School Date: I have read the information above, including the duties in connection with the school patrol program in operation at the corners of and in the Pembina Trails School Division. I agree to allow my child to be a member of the school patrol. It is understood that my child will strive to be a good school patrol member who will fulfil the expected duties faithfully and will be at the assigned post on time. Parent or Guardian 20

21 SAMPLE: Student Safety Patrol Application Student name: Grade: Age: Address: Bus # (if any): Classroom teacher: Any previous experience? Yes No If yes, state when and where: Times/days I m Available: School Patrol Pledge If accepted, I promise on my honour to: Report for duty on time. Perform my duties faithfully. Strive to prevent accidents, always setting a good example myself. Obey my teachers and officers of the patrol. Report dangerous practices of students. Strive to earn the respect of fellow students. Serve in all kinds of weather. Student Signature Date Parent Consent I hereby consent to have my child serve as a member of the school safety patrol, if accepted for this service. I will endeavor to help my child meet the school patrol pledge. Parent/Guardian Signature Date River East Transcona School Division 21

22 SAMPLE: School Safety Patrol Assessment Form School: Patrol Team Members: Assessed by: Date and time: How did the Safety Patrollers do today? All categories rated out of 3: 1 = needs review 2 = satisfactory 3 = outstanding Punctuality: were the Patrollers out early and on time? Comments: Equipment: all safety equipment being used properly, signs held out straight, good arm wave? Comments: Focus: checked traffic in ALL directions, not distracted, alert, good stance, made eye contact with drivers, waited for a safe gap? Comments: Respectfulness: behaving in a mature, respectful, courteous manner? Comments: Positioning: facing the street, one step back from curb, verbal commands loud and clear, flags remained out until all children crossed, outstretched arms hold back waiting children? Comments: Weather: Traffic volume: Two good things I saw the patrol team do: A few reminders: BCAA and Winnipeg Police Safety Patrol Program Materials 22

23 SAMPLE: Safety Patrol Referral Form Date: Time: Patrol: Witness: Post: Student (s) Involved Name Room # Grade Reason for Referral Supervisor Follow-Up None Warning Detention Principal intervention Parents called Other Student (s) Involved Name Room # Grade # of Times Involved River East Transcona School Division 23

24 References Safe Crossings, Guideline for School Crossing Programs. Ministry of Transportation & Highways, Province of BC. February Safe%20Crossings.pdf Student Street Safety Patrol Handbook. River East Transcona School Division, Manitoba School Safety Patrol Program Manual BCAA Road Safety Foundation. School Area Traffic Safety Guidelines for Manitoba. Manitoba Infrastructure & Transportation. July School Safety Patrol Handbook. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). July School Safety patrol Program. Winnipeg Police Services. School Safety Zone. CAA Manitoba School Safety Patrol. Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI). 24