Thursday, September 9, 2010

Peru Public School District 124

Main Navigation

Sub Navigation

Cooperation Key to Keeping Children Safe as the School Year Begins

Dear Parents and Community Members,

As another school year begins, it’s a great time to remind ourselves of some keys to keeping our children as safe as possible. Peru Police Chief Doug Bernabei and I periodically send home via e-mail or hand delivery through the students Important Child Safety Tips from the Peru Police Department and Peru Public Schools. It includes tips that will also help children stay safe if they are walking or riding their bike to or from school, walking to or from bus stops, or just playing outside.

When you get this within the next few days, please go over the safety tips with each of your children. You can also CLICK HERE to view the letter, and we will keep it posted within our website throughout the year. As the letter states, please remember that there is no substitution for direct parental supervision, particularly for younger children.

Unfortunately, there are reports every year of individuals who may try to lure children into their vehicles, and we want to do whatever it takes to help prevent that from ever occurring. There is a Child Sex Offender Locator button on the right so you are aware of the names and addresses of registered sex offenders. This is potentially helpful information, but certainly anyone attempting to lure a child into a vehicle could also be from far outside the community. This is why we all must be vigilant in regard to child safety.

Finally, I would also ask that when driving you use extra care not only in school zones, but anywhere children may be walking to school or to a bus. This means staying under the speed limit, as well as avoiding distractions such as cell phones. The law also bans the use of cell phones in school zones in the state of Illinois.

If you or your child are ever aware of any specific concern regarding child safety, please contact the building principal, my office or the Peru Police Department. Thank you for working with us to keep our children safe at school, home and everywhere in between.

Mark R. Cross, Superintendent

Health Update: Pertussis Information from IDPH

Dear Parents,

On Friday, September 3, the school district received the following notice from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) about pertussis, sometimes referred to as "whopping cough." Please read this notice carefully.

IDPH Health Alert for Pertussis

At this time, we are not aware of any cases of pertussis within the school district. Should that change, we will follow any procedures if and when they are issued by IDPH and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We just want you to be aware of the alert and have an understanding of the symptoms.

We will put out any necessary communications should that become necessary. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Mark R. Cross, Superintendent