Piedmont Elementary students learned some valuable lessons in safety and health during the school’s week-long Health and Safety Fair last week.Students learned a number of lessons during each day’s themes of health, safety, drug awareness, nutrition and exercise and other services. Other services included tables set up by various child and family-oriented organizations like 2nd Chance, Jump Rope For Heart and Concern for Children.
Julie Houck, registered nurse for Piedmont City Schools, said the event was a perfect way for children to gather information, not just for themselves, but also for their parents. “This allows companies and organizations to provide information to their parents as well because children take these bags home, and their parents look through all the things they picked up from the tables,” Houck said.
LaTonya Chatman, case manager for Family Services Center of Calhoun County, said she enjoyed seeing how much interest students had in what the fair had to offer, which included pamphlets, candy and other souvenirs. “They’ve really enjoyed it,” Chatman said. “I think they’re most excited about the candy.”
Houck said in the past, the event was hosted in one day, but by spreading it out over five, the students have been able to hear from more presenters and retain more of the information they learned each day.
During safety day, students heard from Piedmont police officers, fire fighters and rescue squad members. Houck said the students really enjoyed getting to meet some of their personal “heroes.”
“They absolutely loved it,” Houck said. “And I really think he policemen and firemen really enjoyed interacting with the kids too.”
PES Principal Chris Hanson said he values the information his students have been able to pick up over the last week. “It’s really good for kids to get the opportunity to see what’s out there for them and their families,” he said. “This has really shown them the different things that are available and the importance of them.”
This week, Piedmont High School will play host to the same Health and Safety Fair through Friday.
