A Case Study of Mary Jane Sims Elementary - Department of ...

Percentage
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008
My child's school is a safe learning environment.
Figure 10. Parent Climate Survey on Environment and Safety.
Page 23
Strongly Agree
Agree
Although several teachers and parents stated that they felt students are safe while at Sims
Elementary, some stakeholders raised concern about the safety and security issues raised by the
community environment surrounding Sims. One community member noted that students tend to
avoid walking along Springdale Road because of heavy traffic, and that s/he had witnessed
students cutting through the cemetery in order to avoid prolonged exposure to unsafe conditions.
This community member also mentioned the lack of speed bumps surrounding Sims Elementary.
Some parents and teachers noted that the illegal activity that goes on around Sims affects the
learning environment. One teacher stated, “We had three lockdowns, which is a lot.” Another
teacher mentioned, “I’ve found pot on the playground this year, and all the 5-year-olds knew
what it was.” A number of stakeholders also mentioned that the community environment’s
impact on safety also presents itself after school hours. One staff member proclaimed,
Drugs and prostitution come out. It’s too dangerous for the kids to come out. People at
the bus stop, they’re not going anywhere, but they’re just hanging around. It’s a different
atmosphere compared to during the day. We all feel like it’s really dangerous for kids to
be around in the community any other time besides during the day. It’s pretty scary even
for staff because of all that goes on. We don’t want any of our kids to get into any of that,
and to protect them from any of that is to get them home.