The McMinnville School District is participating in the annual Child Abuse Prevention Month activities sponsored by a cohort of community organizations.
Symbolized by blue pinwheels, the effort is part of a national awareness project that’s been growing for more than 30 years and is intended to build a community where children can grow up safe and happy.
“Feeling safe is one of the foundations of learning,” said Lee Ann Ries, director of Student Services for the McMinnville School District. “We want all children to feel safe at school, but also to understand what it means to be safe outside of school as well.”
The Safe Kids project is an educational program that provides in-class workshops that teach kids that they have the right to feel “Safe, Strong and Free.”
With role plays and scripted discussion by trained facilitators, topics include bullying, stranger awareness and unsafe touch. Students learn strategies for staying safe and how to identify people who can help.
Classroom resources include pinwheel coloring sheets (single and group), a template for making a pinwheel and a crossword puzzle.