The Kindergarten classes of Mrs. Leslie Reilly and Mrs. Lynne Young have been studying a unit at the E. J. Shattuck School entitled Community Helpers. The children have had stories told to them about the various people who help make Norwood a safe and happy place in which to live. They have engaged in many activities in the course of the unit; but two events, as follows, were certainly high points.
The father of Donna Walsh is Officer Francis Walsh. He is a member of the Norwood Police Department and kindly offered to come to school and talk to both kindergarten classes. The children were fascinated with the uniform and the special equipment which a policeman carries. Mr. Walsh gave an informal talk on safety and the value of cooperating with the “Police Lady,” as the children call Mrs. Betty Wood who helps them cross Nahatan Street. This visit did much to further the children’s confidence in the policeman as a friend.
The second event, which was a field trip to the Norwood Fire Station, involved much planning and cooperation from the Fire Department and Room Mothers. Because the classes are so large, It was requested that the classes report in two groups. At the station, the children had the opportunity to see the various fire engines, the alarm room, and the protective clothing that the firemen wear when answering an alarm.
Mothers who helped Mrs. Young included:
Mrs. Laverty, Mrs. Grover, Mrs. Turchon, Mrs. Dyke, Mrs. Barton, Mrs. Hopkins, and Mrs. Neville. Mothers who assisted Mrs. Reilly were: Mrs. McGrath, Mrs. Simoni, Mrs. McAuliffe, Mrs. Hasenfus, Mrs. Malone, rs. Folan, Mrs. Ennis, Mrs. McDonough, Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Kinter, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Tang-strom, Mrs. O’Brien, and Mrs. Conroy.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)