Char's Safety City Graduation

"What is Safety City? A week-long summer program for children entering Kindergarten in the Fall of 2015. They will learn about traffic safety, fire safety, home, playground and other kinds of personal safety in an entertaining, positive environment. Students also become comfortable with a school building in preparation for Kindergarten.

Safety City is designed to supplement safety lessons taught in school and at home. The program uses songs, story books, films, games, and artwork as well as experience riding a school bus and walking and riding Big Wheels on streets in a mock city setting to make learning about safety fun.

Safety City is taught by Urbandale Police Officers and staff. They are assisted by other adults and a team of student helpers. The cost of Safety City is $35.00 per child, which includes a t-shirt and bike helmet." 

That, my friends, is a steal. Char had a great week at Safety City, and she learned a lot, too. Twice I have been reprimanded by our "expert" for not correctly crossing the street.

Friday was her Safety City graduation ceremony. 

It wasn't just a meet and greet. The kids performed their songs for their families. "When I'm riding in the car, I never bother Mom or Dad..." (We're still working on that one.)

After a few songs, it was time to hand out the diplomas.

Yep, Char was pretty excited.

She even got a chance to pose with Officer Melissa Waalk.

More than once Char told me, "Dad, we can't tell stories at Safety City." I wasn't sure what she meant, so my favorite part of the ceremony was when Officer Waalk's explained that rule. Raising a hand means you have a question to ask, not a story to tell. If every student was allowed to tell a story, the lessons wouldn't go anywhere, so you have to use one of the five W's or the H in your question.

That's a pretty good lesson to learn, but sometimes the kids twist it. Apparently one child rose their hand and asked, "Ummm, hooow about the one time when my mom..."

I can only guess who asked that "question".