CAROLINA FOREST, S.C. (WBTW)- In April, News13 first reported to about a crash involving a Carolina Forest Elementary School crossing guard.
The crossing guard was hospitalized with injuries and the school’s principal expressed concern about speeding on Carolina Forest Boulevard. As the 2016-2017 school year begins, you will notice a few changes in that area to ensure safety of the students and staff.
“The police have been present on Carolina Forest even before the first day of school. We’ve seen an increased presence out here. So they’re going to continue to monitor the situation as been reported to us,” Principal Dennis Devorick said.
In addition to the increased security presence, Carolina Forest Elementary will use the school’s digital board to get out safety messages. These messages will appear before and after school during pick-up times.
The school has another crossing guard this year who says his primary concern is for distracted drivers especially in the mornings when they have kids crossing the street at various times.
“You have that few that are in a rush and you know put the kids in a little danger. But we try to keep them safe,” Paul Sheftz said.
Sheftz says he encourages people to pay attention to not only the kids but crossing guards who lead them.
“I would tell them to stay off the phones and stop texting. There’s a lot of that going on. I see it through experience. We try to stop it.”
So far, school leaders say parents have been patient and cooperating with the changes.
“We’ve received a lot of help from the district and also the police resources in the community. Today was one of our very best openings we’ve had in the six years that I’ve been here,” Devorick said.
