The Panther Prowl 8-30-13

What a great start to our school year!  Everyone seems excited to return and great things are already shaping up for the 2013-2014 school year. 

 
The Maroon and Gray game was a huge success kicking off our first ever game at the new athletic complex.  This historical event was full of energy, excitement and fellowship.  The kids showed great sportsmanship and camaraderie while the fans and sponsors showed up in droves to show their support.    
 
The annual Senior Parade was another exciting moment for our School Resource Officers.  The parade was lead by the new SRO Mustang, followed by several floats, costumes, music , and fun.  
The SRO’s enjoyed interacting with the outgoing Senior Class.  
 
 
In a continuing effort to ensure the safety of our campuses, Officers with the Benton Police Department attended an Active Killer training at the Junior High School.  Officers practiced real life scenarios using simunition rounds and role players to prepare for life threatening events, should one occur on any of our campuses.  
 
Your School Resource Officers attended many assemblies at the middle school and high school to kick off the new year on a positive note.   Officer Jackson gave his annual “do’s and don’ts speech”.   Sgt. Stuart was introduced to the student body.
  
The students at the Alternative Learning Center were provided breakfast by Sgt. Stuart. This was made possible by a donation from Chick-Fil-A.  The kids responded positively with hugs, smiles and thank you’s.  
 
We’ve had a few near misses this week with elementary kids being dropped off in the street as busy parents were on their way to work.  Please do not drop your child off from a traffic lane and let the child make his/her way to the school.  For the safety of everyone involved, please use the designated drop off lanes at each school.  If you prefer to drop your child off in another location, please use the designated crosswalks and assist your child safely to the entrance of the school.  
 
Traffic is beginning to move more smoothly and drop-off/pick-up times are improving.  I would like to thank everyone involved for their patience, understanding and support as your school officials and police officers have worked very hard to ensure the safety of your children while looking for ways to improve traffic flow.  There is no quick fix for the traffic congestion but I assure you, the department heads are working together to evaluate and survey each school.  
 
Also, don’t forget “FLASHING RED KIDS AHEAD”.  Arkansas law 27-51-1004 states every motorist must stop when a school bus is loading or unloading.  Violations are not only costly, but can be deadly.  
 
 
Proudly serving our kids,
 
Sgt. Lisa Stuart