COMMUNITY SCHOOL SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM (CSSEP) BEGINS AT HISD SCHOOLS

September 29, 2008 

The METRO Solutions’ team kicked-off its safety education program this morning, Monday, September 29, 2008, at two local HISD schools, Burnett Elementary on the East End Corridor and Dodson Montessori on the Southeast Corridor.

Instructors jump-started the three-week program with the first lesson on train awareness and transportation, followed by lessons two and three on construction safety and train safety, respectively.

METRO Solutions officially launched the safety program last week at three other HISD schools in anticipation of light-rail construction expected to begin later this year. The following schools were selected to participate in the program due to their proximity to the approved rail lines: Lantrip Elementary (East End Corridor) and Ketelsen Elementary and Martinez Elementary (North Corridor). Additional schools will follow along with outreach activities.

The program has been made meaningful by providing students with interesting, hands-on activities throughout their regular school day.

The curriculum fits the learning and testing objectives of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), as well as the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). Content focuses on safety around construction, and safe use of the rail system for pedestrians and drivers.

The safety program is designed to include parents through home activities.  Upon completion of the program, students will receive a METRO certificate of participation.

The program is a component of METRO’s safety awareness program in anticipation of light rail development.