Guelph teacher makes the grade when it comes to school safety

GUELPH, Ontario, June 11, 2014 /Canada NewsWire/ - Dianne Chadder not only leads by example, but she also demonstrates a strong commitment to school safety.

Today, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is honouring the elementary school teacher with the School Safety Patrol Supervisor of the Year Award.

The purpose of the award is to recognize a Patrol Supervisor that demonstrates leadership qualities, safety skills, dedication, morale building and a desire to advance the educational and safety benefits of patrollers.

Chadder, a Grade 5/6 teacher at Willow Road Public School in Guelph, has dedicated over 10 years to the CAA School Safety Patrol program. Currently, there are over 1,100 safety patrollers participating in the program inGuelph.

"Dianne Chadder is a true role model and mentor. Chadder has done an outstanding job as a Patrol Supervisor. She has instilled leadership and safety in the foot patrollers at Willow Road Public School," said Leslie Rocha, Community Relations Specialist, CAA SCO.

This past year, Chadder was faced with a unique traffic safety issue. A busy private laneway, outside the school, did not provide the school's foot patrollers sufficient space and time to safely cross students. She lobbied the school administration and board to change the width of the laneway to allow vehicles to travel one way. A stop sign and a large sign reminding drivers to watch for crossing children were also installed.

"Dianne has been a committed Patrol Supervisor for many years. In the two years I have worked with her, she has worked diligently to ensure the support she provides to our safety patrols allows for students and their families to arrive and depart from school safely. Dianne understands that the role of safety patrol goes far beyond the duties assigned. She works with these students to develop their confidence, self-esteem and leadership skills," said Steve Viveiros, Principal, Willow Road Public School.

The CAA School Safety Patrol program is a joint partnership between CAA, the police, school boards, teachers, parents and more than 20,000 dedicated student volunteers who give their time to ensure their peers remain safe at road crossings and on school buses in southern Ontario.

Over 800 schools in Ontario participate in the School Safety Patrol program and CAA SCO partners with over 55 police services to deliver a top notch program.

As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of more than 1.9 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.