Two kindergarten teachers at Whitemarsh Elementary School used Bert and Ernie puppets to teach young students how to stay safe from fires during a series of October assemblies.
Susan Hope and Rachel Bell, both kindergarten teachers, portrayed the beloved Sesame Street duo in puppet shows throughout Fire Prevention Month, according to the Colonial School District. Through the characters, they explained the importance of working fire alarms at home. The puppets also covered planning and practicing home fire drills, match safety and the role of a firefighter.
Kindergartners got to see a fire truck that visited the school after watching the performances.
Down the road at Plymouth Elementary School, students climbed aboard firefighting vehicles and attended an assembly with volunteers from Harmonville and Plymouth Fire Company No. 1. The visit is an annual tradition at Plymouth Elementary.
The district said Fire Prevention Week and Month is observed every year at the elementary level so students can meet their local firefighters and learn about fire prevention and what goes into being a volunteer firefighter.
The in-school visits are separate from the public Fire Prevention Week events held earlier in October. Several local fire companies, including Spring Mill, Barren Hill, Harmonville and Plymouth, hosted a community event on Oct. 8 at Colonial Elementary School in Plymouth Meeting, Main Line Media News reported. That event featured fire safety education displays, live demonstrations and giveaways.
This year's national Fire Prevention Week campaign focused on safe charging habits to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires, Main Line Media News reported.
Upcoming community events
- Oct. 24: Drug Take Back Day at three local police stations.
- Plymouth Township search and rescue drill near Colwell Lane, date and time set by the township.
