TOWER BARRACKS, Germany – School children of Netzaberg Elementary and Middle school had guests from the USAG Bavaria Military Police to teach them the safety basics.
Each year in fall, when the days get shorter and safety is especially important for school children, the Netzaberg Elementary and Middle school holds a safety training with their students. This training is an annual event provided by the Directorate of Emergency Services and allows all children from the ages of 5 to 11 years to learn about safety on and off the installation.
“Safety is a top priority at our school. Our students also receive extra bus safety training”, said Melanie Waechter-Greulich, Host Nation teacher at Netzaberg. “As part of our curriculum for Host Nation teachers, we also teach the students rules of the road and road signs."
This year, Lt. Alex N. Rivera Torres, Police Training Coordinator, and Sgt. Michael O. King from Vehicle Disposition taught over 550 children the basics of safety from Oct. 16-23.
“Our Military Police supports us, and the students look forward to it every year”, explained Waechter-Greulich. “This creates a positive relationship with the police, and it is also more engaging. I am grateful to the MP for taking the time and dedication to do this.”
The training summarized on topics such as what to do when an individual gets lost on and off the installation, pet regulations and guidelines, how to contact emergency personnel and provided the correct number, pedestrian safety, traffic safety, vehicle safety involving the importance of seatbelts, and lastly identifying different types of traffic signs.
During the training, traffic rules were emphasized by playing the Red Light, Green Light game to have the children learn in a fun environment. At the end of the training students could check out the police car while simultaneously learning about the importance of buckling up.
“I believe that instilling safety training at a young age can develop mature adults in the future”, said King. “Children have early childhood development in listening, communication, following instructions, and completing tasks. By providing the necessary resources to younger children, they can have a foundation of knowledge to not only to keep to themselves but also teach others about safety as well.”
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