Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to Help Keep Kids Safe Upon Return to School

WHAT:
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will assist in School Crossing Guard duties for Blankner Elementary when Orange County students return to the classroom for their first day of school tomorrow on Monday, August 22. The School Crossing Guard Program is an integral element in the Safe Routes To School Program, which is dedicated to providing safe bicycle and pedestrian routes to and from school for elementary and middle school aged children.

“As we begin another school year, it is important to remember that children will be riding buses and walking or biking to school. Watch out for students on your commute and remember to slow down in school zones,” said Mayor Dyer.

Beginning in the 2008-2009 School Year, the Orlando Police Department (OPD) began assuming responsibility for School Crossing Guard positions within the City of Orlando’s limits instead of contracting these services through an outside agency. To date, OPD serves 28 elementary and eight middle schools within the Orange County Public School System located inside the City of Orlando.

School Crossing Guards must complete a state certification process which requires a six hour class. They work on days coinciding with the school calendar for approximately one to two hours in the morning as school begins and an additional one to two hours in the afternoon as school dismisses.

WHEN:
Monday, August 22, 2011
8:15 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

WHERE:
2500 South Mills Avenue
(near Blankner Elementary School entrance)

BACKGROUND:
As part of Mayor Dyer’s commitment to providing citizens with the high quality service they have come to expect, he participates in work-alongs with various City staff. Mayor Dyer has worked with Code Enforcement Officers, gone door-to-door with Orlando Police Officers delivering valuable City information to residents in the Parramore Heritage Neighborhood, assisted City staff and children of the Nap Ford Community School in planting a community garden and worked in the customer service and development review areas of Permitting Services.
 

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