AAA School Safety Patrol Program Celebrates Centennial
World's Largest School-Based Safety Program Stands the Test of Time
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (March 2, 2021) – This year, AAA Northern California celebrates the centennial of the AAA School Safety Patrol program. The world’s largest school-based safety program provides students a sense of safety and security when going to and from school for the past 100 years. Today, students in this program serve as young change-makers that are building safer and more inclusive communities.
“While the program has matured over the last century, it has remained steadfast in its mission to empower students to develop their leadership and safety skills at school and in their community. We are excited to inspire future generations of strong and confident student leaders through this program. Our members value this free program and have children that participate as patrollers in school,” said Sergio Avila, AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah spokesperson.
The peer-to-peer safety program boasts 679,000 Patrollers in 35,000 schools across the United States. Patrollers' training builds safety knowledge across a wide range of topics including street crossings, bullying prevention, emotional wellbeing, and staying safe around emerging mobility like autonomous vehicles.
In South San Francisco, Calif. Deborah Carlino, a teacher at Martin Elementary and the 2019 AAA National Patrol Advisor of the Year, has watched her students transform into leaders through the program.
In 2018, Carlino's students established Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day to honor the American civil rights activist and leader. In partnership with AAA Northern California, Carlino’s students plan to advocate at the state level to recognize November 18 as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. Carlino's students hope to turn it into a statewide holiday and ultimately a national movement.
AAA School Safety Patrol has continued to adapt during the ongoing public health crisis. There is a lesson plan format of the program for in-person or virtual class learning. It also offers a self-guide version of the curriculum for distance learning.
“The new realities of COVID-19 can be scary for kids, and when kids feel safe, they’re better able to learn and focus,” said Carlino. “The lessons in this program have not only empowered my students to be good leaders during the pandemic, it has also made it easier for parents and caregivers to address these very serious topics.”
To learn more about the AAA School Safety Patrol, including how to bring the program to your school at no cost, visit aaa.com/schoolsafety.
About AAA Northern California
AAA has a proud history of serving Members for over 100 years. AAA is on a mission to create Members for life by unleashing the innovative spirit of 4,000 employees representing 6 million Members across Northern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. In addition to legendary roadside assistance, AAA offers home, auto and life insurance, and extraordinary travel services. According to Via Magazine's Smart Guide, being a AAA Member can save you more than $1,200 a year. Learn more at AAA.com.