Mt. Pleasant Kids Know the Responsibility of Safety

Fifth-graders at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School in Smithtown are setting a good example for their schoolmates.

They have been serving as bus safety patrol monitors at the end of the school day, assisting the 450 students at the school in finding and boarding their respective buses in a safe and efficient manner each day school is in session.

“The bus safety patrol team is comprised of fifth-graders who possess strong leadership qualities and are skilled in working cooperatively with others,” said Principal Joseph Ierano. “They are highly responsible individuals who work hard to achieve success both inside and outside of the classroom.”

The opportunity is open to all fifth-grade students who choose to apply for the position. Interested students are required to fill out an application in which they must write a statement on behalf of their candidacy for the position. Their parents are also required to write a statement. In addition, student applicants must obtain a recommendation from their fifth-grade teacher and two other teachers of their choice.

Teachers rate a child’s candidacy based upon rubric criteria that focuses on leadership, responsibility and work ethic. A judging panel comprised of teachers, parents and school staff members evaluates all applications.

Rain or shine, these fifth-graders are committed to making a valuable contribution to their school.

Photo by Smithtown Schools: Mt. Pleasant Elementary School Principal Joseph Ierano with members of the schools bus safety patrol during a recent dismissal.