Dear Chatham CSD Families,
Now that the sun is finally out and the temperatures are rising, it is wonderful to see our students out and about, enjoying the beautiful neighborhoods that make our Chatham community so special. Whether they are walking to school, heading to the public library, or visiting friends, this is a vibrant time of year in our community.
With this increased outdoor activity, I want to take a moment to share some important safety reminders. Our priority is ensuring every child feels secure and supported as they navigate our village and surrounding areas. I encourage you to sit down with your children this week to review the following safety "best practices":
Encourage your child to walk with a friend, sibling, or neighbor whenever possible. There truly is safety in numbers, and staying together makes students more visible and less vulnerable.
Remind children never to approach a vehicle they don't recognize, even if the person inside seems friendly or asks for help. If a stranger approaches, they should keep a safe distance and move toward a trusted adult or a busy public area.
Teach your children that if something—or someone—makes them feel "weird" or uncomfortable, they should leave the area immediately. They should know that it is always okay to report these feelings to a parent, a teacher, or a school official.
As a "railroad town," we have a unique responsibility to educate our youth about the tracks that run through our community.
Students should only cross railroad tracks at designated pedestrian or vehicle crossings.
Modern trains are remarkably quiet. Remind children to remove headphones and put away phones when near the tracks so they can maintain full situational awareness.
Railroad tracks and the surrounding gravel are private property and are extremely dangerous places to play or walk.
Safety is a shared responsibility. We ask that our neighbors and commuters remain extra vigilant behind the wheel, especially during the morning commute and afternoon dismissal hours.
If you or your child ever see something concerning, please do not hesitate to contact the district or local law enforcement. By working together and keeping these conversations active at home, we can ensure a fun, active, and—most importantly—safe spring/summer season for all our students.
Thank you for your continued partnership and looking out for one another.
Sincerely,
Andrew Kourt
Chatham CSD Superintendent