Safety awareness and understanding how choices can have positive or negative consequences are key components of the Litchfield Elementary School District’s (LESD79) Safety Roadshow program.
“The Safety Roadshow began in the spring of 2025 as a way to help reduce instances of negative behavior and disciplinary referrals,” said Maria Fletcher, LESD79’s Title IX and Legal Compliance Coordinator. District officials worked with Touchstone Health Services to develop age-appropriate lessons for third and sixth grade classes focused on personal boundaries and respect, defining consent and building healthy friendships.
The two grade levels were specifically chosen because expectations and consequences for certain behaviors change in the student handbook. Sixth-graders are an especially important audience for the program because it’s a critical time for physical, social, and emotional development. “As students begin forming more complex friendships and peer relationships, it becomes essential that they understand the importance of safety within school campus environments that can be carried into the community at large,” Fletcher said. The Safety Roadshow also aligns with the district’s commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and supportive learning environment.
With the help of behavior coaches and advisors from each of the district’s middle schools and Thomas “Mas” Foster-De Oro, the district’s Director of Student Safety, the Safety Roadshow teaches students to model positive behaviors and make good decisions. It also explains how poor decisions and actions can lead to consequences they may not have been aware of.
Additional reinforcement to safety is found through partnership with our local first responders. Police officers from each of our various jurisdictions have co-presented with Ms. Fletcher and Mr. Foster-De Oro.
“We explained that some actions require us to involve law enforcement,” Fletcher said. “Students sometimes view some behaviors as jokes or pranks, but they often don’t realize the serious legal and safety implications.”
Supportive measures are available at all school sites to prevent negative actions from happening again. Fletcher explained that students need to feel supported, especially if there are disciplinary consequences, so they can ask for help if a similar situation occurs.
The Roadshow aligns with the district’s commitment to creating safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments while helping students develop the character and decision-making skills they will carry into the community.
Family involvement is also an important part of the program. Parents and guardians provide permission for their children to participate in the Safety Roadshow.
“We want to have transparency with our parents about what we’re teaching and talking about at school,” Fletcher said. Sharing the Roadshow’s purpose also allows families to continue these important conversations at home with their children.
The program has shown encouraging results. Schools have seen a decrease in behavioral referrals, and teachers are observing a growing culture of kindness in their classrooms.
This year, students who attend the Safety Roadshow will receive a bracelet inscribed with “Kindness starts with me.” Plans are also underway to create a character pledge for students to sign that will be publicly displayed on campus.
By helping students practice kindness, respect and accountability, LESD79 is preparing them to contribute positively to their schools, neighborhoods, and the West Valley community.