Last week, the CHS PTO wrapped up another successful Safety Town program. Twenty-six incoming kindergarten and first-grade students completed the two-week course, building important life skills related to safety throughout their communities.
Made possible entirely through the support of the Cuyahoga Heights PTO, the annual program provides hands-on experiences that help young learners become safer pedestrians, cyclists, passengers, and community members.
Throughout the two weeks, students learned about pedestrian, traffic, and bike safety. Brooklyn Heights Police Officer Jason Rees joined the program as a special guest for Bike Safety Day, sharing important lessons about riding safely. Students also explored water safety with lifeguards and pool staff, playground safety with recreation staff, practiced school bus safety, learned fire safety during a tour of the Village of Cuyahoga Heights Fire Department, and visited the Police Department to see how first responders work together to keep the community safe.
Additional special guests helped make the experience even more memorable. A naturalist from Cleveland Metroparks introduced students to some common backyard wildlife, while Valley View Police Officer Jacob Ross and K9 Rex demonstrated the important role K9 officers play in protecting the community.
This year’s program was led by Sean Garrow, lead Safety Town instructor, and assistant instructor Stephanie Rees. Activities throughout the two weeks were coordinated by Garrow, Rees, Detective Mike Tulcewicz, Officer Jeremy Musleh, Officer Rick Mischak, and members of the CHS PTO Board. Approximately 20 student volunteers served as team leaders, guiding each group of children through the daily activities.
A highlight of this year’s program was Detective Mike Tulcewicz’s 23rd and final year leading Safety Town. Throughout the years, he has helped generations of children learn lifelong safety skills while fostering a program built on collaboration and community involvement. This summer also provided an opportunity for Detective Tulcewicz to mentor Officers Jeremy Musleh and Rick Mischak, who worked alongside him each day as they prepare to lead the program in the future.
At the conclusion of the two weeks, families gathered for a graduation ceremony celebrating the newest Safety Town graduates and all they had learned.
Thank You to Our Safety Town Heroes
The CHS PTO extends its appreciation to the many individuals who helped make this year’s program a success:
Detective Mike Tulcewicz, Brooklyn Heights Police Department
Officer Jeremy Musleh, Brooklyn Heights Police Department
Officer Rick Mischak, Cuyahoga Heights Police Department
Officer Jason Rees, Brooklyn Heights Police Department
Sean Garrow, Lead Safety Town Instructor
Stephanie Rees, Assistant Safety Town Instructor
Student Team Leaders
Cuyahoga Heights PTO Members
The many local police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, and community partners who shared their time and expertise with our students.
