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Show ee MAY 9, 2001 WASATCH COUNTY COURIER et me re et ‘ sn en eee so peti NS et NE bes Bee > Abduction Awareness Class Faces Stranglehold Despite parental support and ote DEREK JENSEN | concerned safety their at ‘Midway They had targeted Jim Bowles, a psy- | Elementary were dealta blow after chology counselor at Utah Valley Hospital who has taught scouting groups and other kids, to lead the exer_cises. Then, just before a the school board rejected a plan to. have an abduction Specialist lead a series of instructional classes. The rejection was evidently the result of a single phone call, complaining that such a class would raise an - unnecessary ee! of fear in the com-. munity. But according to Midway Elementary PTA President. Katherine Cheatwood, student safety awareness is vital. “I think it’s a skill that children need,” Cheatwood said. “They didn’t want the kids to wander around afraid all the time, but it would be just = contrary.” Legislative PTA fepuasaHtestive Tracy Taylor echoed t the Hoes for the : safety classes. scheduled one-day safety | awareness workshop last October, the school board pulled the plug on. Bowles, citing the tion to hold the class in the evenings, making it less accessible. Cheatwood says it is not a viable option considering how busy most families are after school. She also complained that the board made their decision without witnessing Bowles in action. “They didn’t have an educated decision to stop him in the first place,” she said. | _. “We never eid to undermine parents rights,” said Taylor, explaining that the abduction class was intended -as optional. “Parents were invited to come and watch this if they had any hit: aad iotirth er you can’t say toa kindergartner,” Cheatwood explained. The instruction would stress time- oF hey didn’t want the kids to wander around afraid all the time, but tested themes such as safety in numbers, being aware of your surroundings and giving yourself outs. Bowles would also emphasize techniques 2 would be just the — such as shimmying | ok underneath a car and contrary. holding onto a bicycle. | S jee > > “Have you~ ever § KATHERINE CHEATWOOD __ tried to puta bicycle in PTA President for Midway a car,” Cheatwood Elementary| lone parental comsaid. “It’s tough alone; plaint. a not to mention with a “It’s funny that one parent canneiaD kid on it.” . it,” Cheatwood bemoaned. “That does“I've seen what he teaches,” added n't make sense.” the mother of four. “My children have Since October a number of parents this information. I’m trying to get this have supported bringing. Bowles back. education for the rest of the kids.” 7 The idea was to divide the grade levels But at the last Wasatch County into appropriate groups — kinderBoard of Education meeting, members garten and first grade, second and sided with the principal’s recommenda- concerns.” _ . Meanwhile, Bowles’ $125 fee for the instruction, would have been covered by a health department grant. The money is still available until the end of | the year. “We have it actually earmarked for that- (abduction classes)” ea Orn said. | The PTA ee said the coh ball board will likely make a final decision on.the classes during their next meeting, Thursday, May 10. Email: derek@wasatchcountycourier.com Ft — ain BIRTH ACADEMIC Hi, My name is Bailey Jo Boren. I was born on SARA SULSER March 22. My parents are Trent and Joey Boren. I weighed 7 Ibs, 12 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. I was welcomed home by my Grandmas and Grandpas, Vicki and David Sweat and Carolee and Blaine Boren, and my aunt and uncles: Pam, Paul, Travis, Justin, Jerad, Austin and Preston, and my cousins Colton, Oakley and Savannah. My Greatgrandparents are Donna Sweat, LaVelle Cummings and Joyce Lee. TRADE AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION Sara is a diverse individual. She | often is involved in so many activities _ that she runs out of hours in her day. BIRTHDAY Savannah Joy Jessop | Savannah Joy Jessop ead her first birthday on Feb. 22 with a small party. In atten- BIRTH and my in many cer positions and is currently serving as the President. She is planning to run for a State Office in March. Sara also enjoys being outdoors, scrap booking, traveling, sports, and adventure. | Cameron Jay Morgan Hi! My name éanipetedl _ Development Contests and done very well. She has held many offi- is Cameron in Pe Jerad. Also, Grandma Vicki Sweat cousins Oakley and Colton | has She values the importance of getting good grades and trying hard in *— school, but she is mostly dedicated — to the sport of rodeo, in which she excels. This past summer she qualified for the Silver State International Rodeo and placed Sth overall. She has won many queen titles, and is currently sitting #2 in the state standings for goat tying. Sara is also very involved with the FFA program. She state speaking contests and Career poe dance was her mom and dad, Paul and Pam Jessop, aunt and uncles: Joey, Trent, Justin and PROFILE 1: Bailey Jo Boren j children’s for and fifth — to receive different techniques ~ avoiding abduction. “What you could say ae a fifth grad- f arents “There are so many kids that ride their bikes or walk to school,” she said. “And often times they’re alone.” A committee, led by Cheatwood, has been working since last August to get the abduction class approved. EDITOR ) Sponsored by Morgan. I was. born on February 28 at Utah Valley Hospital. I weighed 5 pounds 15 ounces and was 18 inches long. My mommy and daddy are Troy and Angie Morgan. I have a big brother named Ernie. My grandparents are Jay and Becky Price, and Ernie and Karen Morgan. My great-grandparents are Lloyd and Lavon Provost, J. Fred and Nadine Price, Ray and Gertie White, and Dee and Fae Morgan. Everyone is ve excited to have me here! BINGGELI ROCK dayton MANAGING grant money Board may nix idea PRODUCTS Supporting a strong foundation _for education in Wasatch County! — 654-2611-654-2233 Charleston, Utah | |