Safety Patrol

Safety Patrol Handbook 2025–2026

Eligibility

To serve on Safety Patrol, a student must:

• Be a responsible 4th or 5th grader.

• Be at least 10 years old.

• Have the necessary vision and hearing abilities.

• Have written permission from a parent or guardian.

• Demonstrate a courteous and helpful attitude.

• Be a positive role model with a genuine desire to serve the school.

Safety Patrol is both an honor and a privilege. For many students, it is their first real “job,” and your Safety Patrol Advisor treats it as such. This role requires commitment, leadership, and responsibility throughout the year. Your duties include monitoring and assisting students in the bus lines, supporting students and community members in the parent pick-up line, and being helpful and courteous to everyone.

Whether on or off duty, you are expected to follow school rules and set a positive example for other students. Cottage Lake relies on you—thank you for your service!

Absences

If you are unable to attend your patrol duty, it is your responsibility to arrange a substitute. A list of available patrollers can be found in the Safety Patrol equipment area.

General Duties

• Report for duty on time. Patrollers may be dismissed from their classrooms five minutes before the end of the school day to arrive at their post before the bell.

• Wear your Safety Patrol vest while on duty. (Rain ponchos are allowed for parent pick-up duty.)

• Take any required equipment, such as signs or cones, with you to your post.

• Bus riders may leave their position once their bus has loaded.

• Return all equipment neatly to the equipment area when your duty is complete.

• Once your shift is finished, you may be dismissed.

Dos and Don'ts

• Keep a smile on your face and maintain a positive attitude.

• Go directly to your assigned post.

• Be courteous and respectful to staff members in the equipment storage area.

• Visit with friends while on duty.

• Hang out near the equipment storage area, as it blocks walkways and staff access.

Bus Line Duties

• Wear your vest at all times.

• Actively monitor your bus line, keeping students in a straight, orderly, and quiet line.

• Learn students’ names; younger students especially enjoy being recognized.

• As the bus departs, smile and wish students a good day.

Patrol Captain Duties

• Wear your vest while on duty.

• Oversee the schedule, ensuring all positions are filled and on time.

• Fill in for absent patrollers if needed (though this should be rare).

• At the end of the shift, ensure all vests, cones, signs, clipboards, and other equipment are returned neatly.

Safety

Your safety is our top priority. You cannot assist others if you are injured, so always follow school and patrol rules.

In the event of an injury, collision, or emergency:

1. Stay at your post.

2. Send a messenger to the office with details about the location, nature, and severity of the event.

3. Keep students at a safe distance from the situation.

4. Observe and note important details, such as involved vehicles and license plate numbers.

If you notice students behaving unsafely or disrespectfully:

• Politely remind them of the expectations.

• You are not responsible for disciplining students. If someone refuses to follow instructions, inform the Safety Patrol Advisor immediately—they will handle it.

If you encounter unsafe or disrespectful behavior from community members (adults or students not from our school), or if you ever feel unsafe while on patrol, notify the Safety Patrol Advisor immediately. Remember: your safety comes first.